This is something I struggle with from time to time. I used to be much worse about it, but thanks to the grace of God, I think I have a much better handle on it these days. Still, there are times when I slide back into my old ways, and by doing so, I'm sending a message to some that the gospel is uninviting.
Double Standard- by Bayless Conley
I would like for you to read again the Scripture we read yesterday, Titus 2:9-10,
Exhort bondservants to be obedient to their own masters, to be well pleasing in all things, not answering back, not pilfering, but showing all good fidelity, that they may adorn the doctrine of God our Savior in all things.
We make the gospel unattractive when we live contrary to our beliefs. The gospel becomes unsavory and unattractive to those outside the church when our lives do not match up to what we say we believe.
Take the verses we read here. Paul says, in effect, that we make the gospel unsavory when we pilfer (which means stealing items of small value) or talk back to our boss.
You do not adorn the gospel when you show lack of respect for your boss, rip the company off, use the phones and computers at your job for personal business, take extra long lunch breaks, steal paper, take staplers, steal pens, or whatever you can get your hands on.
You should not dress the gospel in rags and then pass out tracts to all your coworkers or invite your boss to church.
This truth does not just apply to work. Do not live contrary to your beliefs anywhere. Do not live a double standard at home. If you do, it will turn your kids away from wanting to serve Christ. If you are into sports and you curse a lot, cheat, or have a bad temper, you dress the gospel in rags.
In 2 Corinthians 3:2 Paul states that, You are our epistle written in our hearts, known and read by all men.
The truth is, we are the only Bible some people will ever read. They are looking at our lives.
Amen!
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