Brushes with the Past
Every once in a while, I have brushes with the past. I'll bump into someone while I'm out and about, or see them from afar, or stumble upon them online. And more often than not, these individuals lives look strikingly different than what they were when I knew them.
Their appearance is different. And not just in age or typical changes. How do I say it other than ... they look like the world. Like every other person you spot on the street. Low tops, girl's hair is too short boy's hair too long, piercings, tattoos, low cut blouses, low waist jeans, etc. But most disturbingly, a hollow sort of look in the eyes.
They are "christians" who are supposed to be salt and light, a peculiar people set apart unto God. But the "image" they are projecting speaks differently, at least to me. They seem more concerned with fitting in and mingling with this lost generation, than winning them to Christ.
They say you can't judge a book by it's cover, and that's true in some instances. But when I see/hear language that consists of casual vulgarity, mild profanity and absent praise or acknowledgement to the Lord Jesus Christ, nor obedience to his commands, then I call a spade a spade. In the Bible this is called judging "righteous judgment".
By all appearances, some of my former acquaintances do not appear to be honoring the Lord Jesus with their lives. Appearance is something that we can each have some measure of control over. We each choose our clothing and accessories. It is the wise person who fashions their appearance to please God first.
It's sad, but I'm actually thankful that some of these people are not in my life anymore. As I gladly give my own expectations for my life to the one who has prior claim to it, my gratitude for simple things increases. I am learning to praise and thank God in all things. There's really no other way to be truly happy.
At first when certain people faded out of my life, it was painful. But looking back to when the time when they were in my life, I realized I had a sense that, in time, we'd be worlds apart. Our paths were going in different directions even then.
They would have definitely influenced my children in disagreeable ways, and would have likely drawn them closer to their own wayward, "selfie" lives. So I am glad and thankful for the separation. There are pros and cons to growing up near family and old friends.
It's good when children are growing up to be too busy living your lives than waste precious time on social media and endless selfies. Time is one thing we can't manufacture, so make it count!
Their appearance is different. And not just in age or typical changes. How do I say it other than ... they look like the world. Like every other person you spot on the street. Low tops, girl's hair is too short boy's hair too long, piercings, tattoos, low cut blouses, low waist jeans, etc. But most disturbingly, a hollow sort of look in the eyes.
They are "christians" who are supposed to be salt and light, a peculiar people set apart unto God. But the "image" they are projecting speaks differently, at least to me. They seem more concerned with fitting in and mingling with this lost generation, than winning them to Christ.
They say you can't judge a book by it's cover, and that's true in some instances. But when I see/hear language that consists of casual vulgarity, mild profanity and absent praise or acknowledgement to the Lord Jesus Christ, nor obedience to his commands, then I call a spade a spade. In the Bible this is called judging "righteous judgment".
By all appearances, some of my former acquaintances do not appear to be honoring the Lord Jesus with their lives. Appearance is something that we can each have some measure of control over. We each choose our clothing and accessories. It is the wise person who fashions their appearance to please God first.
It's sad, but I'm actually thankful that some of these people are not in my life anymore. As I gladly give my own expectations for my life to the one who has prior claim to it, my gratitude for simple things increases. I am learning to praise and thank God in all things. There's really no other way to be truly happy.
At first when certain people faded out of my life, it was painful. But looking back to when the time when they were in my life, I realized I had a sense that, in time, we'd be worlds apart. Our paths were going in different directions even then.
They would have definitely influenced my children in disagreeable ways, and would have likely drawn them closer to their own wayward, "selfie" lives. So I am glad and thankful for the separation. There are pros and cons to growing up near family and old friends.
It's good when children are growing up to be too busy living your lives than waste precious time on social media and endless selfies. Time is one thing we can't manufacture, so make it count!
Comments
I have a Facebook page that I use to keep up with friends and family all over the country. But never for "Farmville" and other dumb games.