Most of my writing takes place during the summer months. I sometimes find it difficult to maintain a
train of thought for writing while working full time.
However, I also recognize the occasional need to slow down, process my
thoughts, and write while those thoughts are still “fresh” in my mind. This is one
of those times.
Not too long ago, I was surprised to learn about the rise in suicides
of people jumping off the Golden Gate Bridge.
Apparently even news media had been asked to stop coverage of these
events in the hopes of discouraging copy-cat events. Now let me say, this is all supposition,
because I cannot recall the original source, nor have I since been able to
locate it. However, the reason it sticks
in my mind is this: As a child,
sometimes I used the excuse for my actions, “But, everyone does it!” Then I would hear the question, “But if
everyone jumped off a bridge, would you do that, too?”
Please understand, I am in no way belittling the tragedy of
others. I am merely pointing out how
quick we are to excuse our way through life because of the choices of other
people. We reason, “If they can do it
and it’s okay, then why isn’t it okay for me?”
One of the verses that keeps me “on track” as a Christian is this:
“Anyone, then, who knows the good he ought to do and doesn’t do it, sins.” James 4:17 (NIV)
I would submit that the reverse is also true:
[my paraphrase] “Anyone, then who knows the wrong he should NOT do, but does it anyway, sins.”
Somehow this seems okay as long as we are talking about big, huge
sins. Murder is wrong, we should not do
it. Okay, I can agree with that! Stealing is wrong, we should not do it. Okay, I can agree with that one, too! Well, I’m sure you get the general idea.
Now comes the rub, as they say.
I teach middle school students, and recently there has been an
overwhelming increase in certain dance moves and gestures in the hallways,
classrooms, courtyard, seemingly everywhere.
This particular move has a history.
The original song artist supposedly used it in association with smoking
a particular substance illegal in most states (but not all). The general
explanation is, “It’s just a dance move, and everyone does it.” I would call upon all those who consider
themselves Christians to give this some thought. Whether it is just a harmless “dance move” or
not really isn’t the question. Does it
honor God?—IS the question.
I am reminded of the Bible passages after the days of Moses, and after
Joshua had successfully led the Israelites into the land God had promised to
them. Joshua charged the people to:
“Now fear the LORD and serve him with all faithfulness.” Joshua 24:14 (NIV)“But if serving the LORD seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve…” Joshua 24:15 (NIV)“But as for me and my household, we will serve the LORD.” Joshua 24:15 cont’d. (NIV)
These verses remind me that I do not have to follow the crowd. Just because “everyone is doing it” does not
have to be my response to world views. I
can serve the LORD by declining to participate in those things I know do not
bring honor to His Name, even if it’s supposedly just a harmless dance move.
Oh, listen folks, I am not perfect and do not claim to be. I have many areas of my heart that need
constant, daily attention. I am daily
encouraged by the words of Paul to the Philippians:
“I pray that your love will overflow more and more, and that you will keep on growing in knowledge and understanding. For I want you to understand what really matters, so that you may live pure and blameless lives until the day of Christ’s return. May you always be filled with the fruit of your salvation—the righteous character produced in your life by Jesus Christ—for this will bring much glory and praise to God.” Philippians 1:9-11 (NLT)
Now wouldn’t it be wonderful if we could say, “Everyone is doing THAT!”
Respectfully written and
submitted by:
Dotty Willmon, Resurrection
Christian
