October 10 Thought for the day...trust is essential

I have a love-hate relationship with Facebook. On the one hand, I love the freedom of expression it warrants everyone. I see many encouraging thoughts. I see the request for prayer. The honest and truthful hearts expressing the various sentiments. I also see the arrogant, thoughtless, narcissistic, prejudiced expressions. Those points encourage me to pray for people, but what ultimately drives me crazy is when I see Christians using language or having attitudes that are anti-Christ. Paul talks about that in 1 Timothy 3:8

"Likewise, deacons must be reverent, not double-tongued, not given to much wine, not greedy for money."

I know, you are saying this is the requirement for deacons, and I am not a leader in the church. The challenge; while you may not be a leader in the church, you carry the name of Christ, which automatically makes you a leader in the world.

Have you ever known anyone that will completely agree with you about some topic then they are talking with someone else about the same topic, even though they have a differing opinion, this person now agrees with them? Have you ever known someone to claim faith in Christ, speak holy and righteous in the church and with Christians and when they are with, not-yet Christians, they are talking and acting just like them? This is an example of a double-tongued person.

It is nearly impossible to build trust with someone who is like that. Trust is essential to intimacy in any relationship. Recent research has shown that part of the reason many children leave the faith is precisely that. They see their parents talking and acting one way in church and around church people and then next they hear them back-biting, lying, swearing, getting drunk or high or generally living a life that is anti-Christ

Paul uses the word that literally means "two-worded" meaning, a person who says or does one thing to express or show one attitude toward one person and then turns and says or does exactly the opposite to someone else. Jesus challenges us to be salt and light. We must realize to our friends, family, and the world we are always on! If we are not consistent in our walk, then we are "double-tongued!"

If you express your opinion, then later change your mind, that's OK! Just go back to the person and be honest. The truth can be hard, but the more you use it, the easier it is! I would much rather have people being honest with me, even if it is not comfortable than have you inconsistent with your opinions.

We can always share the truth with each other with grace, patience, and love. Real relationships with a strong bond of intimacy only happen when we speak the truth to each other.