continuing series…
Things that Accompany Salvation—Lesson 2
“Cranky Christians”
They’re moody, unpredictable, up and down, inconsistent, erratic, and fickle—and they come to church! They are the people whom we all know and whom we all find ourselves wondering about. “What will they be like today? Uh-oh. I must’ve said something wrong—look at that scowl! Hey! They must like me today! They’re being so friendly! Oh no! Now what’s wrong? Uh-oh… someone’s not happy…” and on and on. These are the people who, as the saying goes, wear their feelings on their sleeves and, quite frankly, seem to have forgotten that the way the brethren behave toward one another is not a small thing in the eyes of our dear Lord. The question in my mind when considering the people who act this way has always been three-part query:
- How can they mistreat people the way they do and call themselves Christian?
- How can they go on in their bad behavior and never apologize or make things right with people they’ve offended?
- How can they live with themselves?
I think I would be pretty ashamed of myself if I were known for being kind one minute, pouty the next, arrogant the next time you see me, and just plain nasty when you confront me again.
We are not to wallow in sin, according to what the Bible teaches. There are no excuses for mistreating others and wearing our feelings on our sleeves in our world of Christianity. Once saved, we have our hope in Christ. We have our help in Christ. And we have the huge responsibility to picture Christ.
Of all the places where we should be especially conscientious of our behavior, home comes first. Moody mothers are not known for raising cheerful children. Woeful wives do not make happy husbands. Overall, a moody woman breeds insecurity and instability in her home. At church, it’s just as bad. Really, who can befriend her? She’s never the same. Who feels comfortable around her?—she pushes you away. How does she attend the Lord’s Supper with a clear conscience? Learn to be steady—a radiance that doesn’t wane, leading others to the Lord of light and love.
