I went to a Mexican restaurant for dinner with a couple of friends a few months ago. My friends claimed that the restaurant served the best margaritas in town; but when I ordered one, their eyes grew wide... Are Christians not supposed to drink margaritas? (this a completely different topic, but 1 Corinthians 10:23 is one of my references when it comes to making such decisions). They then proceeded to ask me:
-"Are you still involved in church?"
I really don't think they meant to make me feel bad, but I had never felt more judged than at this precise moment. This is the first time I realized that people were watching me, my family is watching me, my friends are watching me... Not necessarily in a creepy or negative sort of way. It's just a fact.
I am involved in a few things at my church, and after a 10-15 minutes conversation with a stranger, it becomes pretty obvious that I am passionate about what I do. Strange thing is I never really thought about the implications of being a role model or example to anyone. It's much easier to be a role model from 7-9 on Thursdays evenings or inside a Dora the Explorer outfit, than it is on a rainy Monday morning (perfect weather for a grumpy mood!), or during a fight (or discussion) with my sister...
Living a changed life means that I need to be more careful about the things I say and do, not just "let everything fly". It doesn't mean that I sin behind closed doors, it means that I try very hard not to sin. One of the first things my friend said when I told her about my changed life is call me out on using the expression "OMG" all the time, citing Exodus 20:7. OUCH! I had known her for years, and she never said a thing! Even my Christians friends are watching me-lol.
By the way, the margarita wasn't even that good!
EED
-"Are you still involved in church?"
I really don't think they meant to make me feel bad, but I had never felt more judged than at this precise moment. This is the first time I realized that people were watching me, my family is watching me, my friends are watching me... Not necessarily in a creepy or negative sort of way. It's just a fact.
I am involved in a few things at my church, and after a 10-15 minutes conversation with a stranger, it becomes pretty obvious that I am passionate about what I do. Strange thing is I never really thought about the implications of being a role model or example to anyone. It's much easier to be a role model from 7-9 on Thursdays evenings or inside a Dora the Explorer outfit, than it is on a rainy Monday morning (perfect weather for a grumpy mood!), or during a fight (or discussion) with my sister...
Living a changed life means that I need to be more careful about the things I say and do, not just "let everything fly". It doesn't mean that I sin behind closed doors, it means that I try very hard not to sin. One of the first things my friend said when I told her about my changed life is call me out on using the expression "OMG" all the time, citing Exodus 20:7. OUCH! I had known her for years, and she never said a thing! Even my Christians friends are watching me-lol.
By the way, the margarita wasn't even that good!
EED
4 comments:
Lol, if you were walking with a scarf on your head you'de be so watcheddddd! I feel like everyone is watching me and hence whatever I do, muslims will be judged for it!
Very true. In a way, we almost become ambassadors for our beliefs whether we like it or not...
Dear Elom,
The simple fact that they asked questions suggests that you ARE making a difference in the world.
As for the being the standard bearer, we always place our hope in WHO we are, not WHAT we do.
http://da98808.blogspot.com/2008/12/lion-king-remember-who-you-are.html
You always have a way of stirring something up, don't stop. :) I really needed that reminder myself today...
..thank you
Brad,
You are very welcome! Praying that you had a safe and refreshing holiday season. Thank you for your friendship and encouragement.
Your friend,
Elom,
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