And there she was, a beautiful woman crouched down covering her head in fear knowing her death was just a stones-throw-away! Then, all of a sudden, a kind and gentle man approached her and said to the crowd surrounding her, “All right, but let the one who has never sinned throw the first stone!” Then he stooped down and began to write in the sand…when the accusers heard what he had said, they slipped away one by one, then the man stood up and said to the woman, “Where are your accusers? Didn’t even one of them condemn you?” “No Lord,” she said, and Jesus said to her “Neither do I go and sin no more.” John 8:1-11 (New Living Translation)
After the 2011 Super Bowl began I sat down to check my facebook newsfeed and as I scrolled down I could not believe one of the posts I read regarding Christina Aguilera and her National Anthem performance. It was not so much what was said, but it was “who” said it (a fellow Christian): Filled with judgement and condemnation. I thought to myself, “Aren’t we Christians?! What kind of example are we setting to those surrounding us? Especially the ones we’re called to win to Christ.” Then I began to think about Jesus and how gentle and merciful he was (and is) during his life here on this earth before his death and resurrection. He set so many examples for the Christian to follow and yet sometimes, because of our words and our actions, I feel many of us have forgotten who we represent! It seems as though we have allowed ourselves to be tricked into following religion instead of Jesus. When we as Christians read this story of the woman caught in adultery we say, “Yes, that’s right, we are to show love and be merciful” But then when REAL life presents itself it seems that many times we’re left standing with rocks in one hand and a pitch fork in the other.
To the Christian: If you are a true follower of Jesus, check your heart and your motives. Ask yourself this very simple and world renown question: “What would Jesus Do?” Take a close look again at our Saviors life…how did He live and treat others? And then make the necessary adjustments and act accordingly.
To the person who is on the fence regarding Christianity: I know it may sound strange, but don’t make your decision based on the people around you. As Christians we are flawed! Jesus said that there is “Treasure in Earthen Vessels” meaning, as people, we are going to make lot’s of mistakes and that your BEST example is Jesus Himself. He came to forgive and show God’s mercy in action. He was a man with no sin, but yet he became sin for us…he paid a penalty that none of us deserve and why? Because, “God so loved the world that He gave His One and only Son, that whoever chooses to believe in Him (Jesus) would not perish, but have life everlasting” John 3:16 He loves and forgives you, and all He asks of you is to believe and love others in return.
I wanted to post about this, because I think about Christina Aguilera from time to time. There was a time I would have given bodily parts to have 1/10th of her talent. (As a young person, I always wanted to be a singer, never mind I couldn’t sing.) I only recently heard that her life is a disaster..and it sounds to me, not for lack of trying to make it better. When I saw her last night, I couldn’t help but think again about how blessed she is with such amazing talent, and it made me want to pray for her to find God and get it right.
Why don’t people think more like that? God saw fit to give her a talent that could get her to the very top – one word, one person pointing her the right way could change everything. Instead, I’m maybe she awoke to her publicist showing her that article, and probably sticking her tongue out, added it to the pile of people who’ve blamed and condemned her…and maybe deep inside, let it confirm any feelings of worthlessness and low self-esteem she might have.
As long as we’re on the subject of football, we as Christians should treat people – even famous ones – more like MIchael Vick was treated. Yea, he did a terrible thing, but a Christian football coach mentor reached out to him and helped him put his life together. He had a great football season. I’m not sure if he was saved or not, but he and the coach admitted they discussed many things non-football related. I daresay he could be on a path to find God, and all because one Christian did the right thing. Everyone deserves the same.
Ok, offa my soapbox and back to work 🙂
Amen! Well said, all of it! Well, at least we can be some of the few that actually say and do the RIGHT things…and you’re absolutley right, who knows, we may be the one like Vick’s coach whom God can use to reach them and show them a better way! You should write a blog of what you just shared! Great material, great way to help others see the way we SHOULD be and treat others as Christians…”They will know you are my people by the LOVE you have one to another” book of Mathew.
Love ya!
Nina
Great post. Yes, I saw a “fellow Christian” on facebook call one of the entertainers during halftime a “whore”. Thank God I’m perfect so I can help others (not).
Thank God for his rich mercy, we all need it, no matter who we are or where we are in life…Mercy triumphs over judgement. God is good brother. Thanks for sharing my blog on your news feed, it just might help someone “see” clearly.
Blessings,
Pastor Nina