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Men of Integrity, January/February 2006
Booster or Buster?
Theme of the Week: Mixed Signals
Monday, January 9
Key Bible Verse: You yourselves are our witnesses—and so is God—that we were pure and honest and faultless toward all of you (1 Thessalonians 2:10). Bonus Reading: Ephesians 4:17-24
All too often, when talking with a guy who's a believer, I hear statements like, "We had a great service last weekend. Pastor hit the nail on the head. I'd be there this Sunday, but I'm going to Vegas."
For me, hearing this statement is like scratching a fingernail across a chalkboard. I know that are some decent shows there, but when I hear "Vegas," my mind goes to gambling, sensuality, and organized crime. "What happens here stays here." Sin City.
I believe when most unbelievers hear statements like this or "I'm going to Mardi Gras" they have the same reaction. It's a witness buster. An unbeliever can conclude, "He's just like me" or "He's worse than me." It will at least arouse his suspicion. Christ doesn't appear to be directing and altering that person's life. Multiply this statement by thousands like it across our country, and the gospel is severely undermined.
How much better for an unbeliever to hear, "This weekend I'm going on retreat to a Christian camp to recharge my batteries. It'll be a lot of fun too." Or "A bunch of us guys from church are going to repair a home for a single mother this weekend. We're looking forward to helping her out." Witness boosters.
—James Hilt in Wisconsin
My Response: How do my pursuits validate or cast doubt on my faith claim?
Copyright © 2006 by the author or Christianity Today International/Men of Integrity magazine.
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January/February 2006, Vol. 9, No. 1
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Prayer for the Week |
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Lord, give me the discernment and determination to make my conduct consistent with my beliefs.
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