Christians are called to purity: to be set apart from worldly thoughts, motives and actions. Oswald Chambers states; "God makes us pure by an act of His sovereign grace, but we still have something that we must carefully watch. It is through our bodily life coming in contact with other people and other points of view that we tend to become tarnished.
This reality is lived out day by day in our lives: work, school, politics, even sports, all place challenges on the seeking soul to remain set apart. For the follower of Christ there is no rest in witnessing; no time-out for moments of carnality. Once you claim to be a Christian, people watch you and listen to what you say. If believers are not careful, they may adopt the bad attitudes or behaviors of a peer group and taint their witness.
Sitting in the bleachers at a game it can be difficult to tell believers from non-believers. The crowd is always passionate and hungry for a win. However, in the pursuit of victory, lines can be blurred of who are sealed with the Holy Spirit and who is not. One error on the field or a "perceived" bad call by the umpire and insight to character is instantly revealed. While, competitive Christians may feel liberty to engage in the chirping from the stands, or complaining about a "bad call," the price paid can be high. For though a game is won, often a soul is lost.
Chambers addresses the Christian's need to conduct themselves properly in all situations; "If we want to maintain personal intimacy with the Lord Jesus Christ, it will mean refusing to do or even think certain things. And some things that are acceptable for others will become unacceptable for us."
For if we do not keep ourselves in step with Christ, we may be the recipient of ridicule. "I thought you were a Christian!" These cutting words slay a saint and are sometimes used by non-believers looking to reinforce their stand against God or the church. Their misguided belief that Christian's are somehow perfect beings, fuels their judgment. Still, their perspective of what is appropriate for a Christian is often accurate and the rebuke warranted. Though the words may bring satisfaction to the critic it weighs heavy on the heart of the believer: for no follower of Christ desires to have their testimony tainted. Fortunately, followers of Jesus can not foul out. Still, our at bat is being recorded, strike one...strike two...
When children of God stumble, it is imperative they confess their sin to the Lord and ask the Spirit to guide them in making amends. Is there an apology to be made, a confession of wrong doing to be shared? Perhaps, a gentle reminder of the call to witness is appropriate to share with a fellow brother or sister in Christ who is veering off the path. While these steps may not erase poor conduct, an apology which is divinely inspired, can witness in a profound way.
Prayer of course is essential to living victoriously in this life. Believer's need to seek the Lord's will, and pray for His wisdom and strength. Likewise, their minds need to renewed, so in times of challenge and trial, their thoughts remain pure and Christ focused: competitors do not become enemies, umpires are not devils and players are not devalued based on performance.
In closing, Oswald Chambers instruction on keeping pure minded is note worthy; "A practical help in keeping your personal purity unblemished in your relations with other people is to begin to see them as God does. Say to yourself, "That man or that woman is perfect in Christ Jesus! That friend or that relative is perfect in Christ Jesus!"
When Christians purpose to have the attitude of Christ: whether in the office, class, or on the field, regardless of the score, they will be champions.
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