It amazes me that we put most of our time and attention into what others think about us versus what God thinks about us. Let's just say all of my life. When I was little, I couldn't speak the name of Jesus or follow Him, because of what my cousin Jerry thought, trying to be cool. Then when I moved away from Jerry, there were my friends in middle school that I was trying to impress Mark and Corey. Of course Mark and Corey went to the same High School so I had to impress them there with my 'coolness'. Then my girlfriends had to be impressed by my 'coolness'. This is how I started smoking at age 8, because I had to be 'cool'.
This is not a reflection. I knew back then that I was choosing my 'cool' image over what God thought of me. Of course, this carried over to my jobs in the corporate office. Most were worldly, thus I had to be worldly, right? I was not all the time worldly though, often times I was around the church youth group and my Christian family, so I could be 'Godly' around them. I was good at being a cameleon, changing colors often, and I believe it caused me to be a pathological liar - for I was many different people trying to impress them all - all but Jesus.
After 25+ years of smoking, smoking wasn't cool anymore. The ton of 'pot' I smoked wasn't cool anymore (especially when I was trying to be a positive role-model to my kids - or provide a safe environment). Be careful what image you choose for yourself, because it becomes habit. Again, I am amazed of what image I chose for myself for so many years.
Today, what you see from me is the truth - so I'm so excited to be SET FREE. All of my family and Christian friends would have given up on me if they new all of the lifestyles I led, but God didn't - He never gave up on me - He is my hero, and for this I search for a lifestyle and image that is pleasing to Him and Him alone!
Well most of us are followers of the wrong crowd, even as Christians. When others are gossiping, we don't stop them even though we know (during our conversation) it is wrong, we even have our own hateful words to say.
If we are worshiping God in church and all of the others aren't getting excited for Jesus, then there is absolutely no way we are going to let our Spirit take over - even though we feel the urge to raise our hands and shout HALLELUJAH. We are followers and imitators of the crowd (for our image is at stake!) How often do we bow down to Jesus? I know I seldom do, folks we have too much pride, and we care about what others think about us versus Jesus.
Was King David ungodly by shouting to the Lord, dancing, singing... Does it mean nothing to us that EVERY KNEE WILL BOW, AND EVERY TONGUE CONFESS THAT JESUS IS LORD. I read in the Bible for the first time this year the following Scripture: (Romans 10:9 that if you confess with your mouth that "Jesus is Lord", and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. I realized I had never told anyone EVER that Jesus is my Lord. Although, I called myself a Christian and went to church almost my entire life. It is not our culture to tell others JESUS IS MY LORD. If you don't believe me, go out and tell 3 people (other than family members at home) today that Jesus is your Lord. Satan reigns our culture, and we sit back and let him. Then we point out to others that this world seems so dark and question where the light of Jesus is.
Again, I am not pointing fingers, cause I know this relates to me too. We need to stop caring about what others think. Who are they compared to God Almighty? We fear those around us more than we fear God. As I am seeking from God more boldness, and beginning to tell others about Jesus, I am finding out that people don't freak out when you say the name of Jesus. As a matter of fact, it may be sweet music to their ears, because we are in an age where people are desperate and longing for some hope.
Luke 12:4-5 (Jesus said) "I tell you, my friends, do not be afraid of those who kill the body and after that can do no more. But I will show you whom you should fear: Fear Him who, after the killing of the body, has power to throw you into Hell..."
In Jesus Name,
Love, Glen