A line drawn in the sand can be crossed

Some folks say Christians are intolerant, narrow minded, hypocritical and other defining words. That’s why I’m quick to say, I’m not perfect — He loves me in my imperfect form. In what I consider “Last Call” for people to know Christ, I try to live by the scriptures. Although there is a lot of room for interpretation, especially for those looking for justification of their actions, there are still some basics that are fairly easy to understand.

Recently I was reminded why being a born again Christian is different than being religious. In a crowd of people enjoying themselves, I could have been the only one offended when God’s name was repeatedly taken in vain, or at least I was in the minority. The New Living Translation reads, “Blessing and cursing come pouring out of the same mouth. Surely, my brothers and sisters, this is not right,” James 3:10. I’m not pointing a finger, it’s just that since I have tried to tame my own tongue, I am sensitive to one phrase of cursing in particular.

As a talent agent I told actors when faced with a script that pushes their faith, to suggest an acceptable alternative, whether in words or deeds. Usually it was not an issue because the reason for the character’s actions could still be conveyed without conflicting moral values.

In John 8, Jesus challenged those that desired to stone the woman caught in adultery to consider their own “imperfect” lives. Then, Jesus stooped and wrote on the ground. For me that links to the saying, “a line has been drawn in the sand,” meaning the place beyond which one will proceed no further.

We often “push” the line and go past it in ignorance because we do not recognize the boundaries God has set for us. We too easily become complacent of things “correct” in the world’s eye yet are an abomination to The Father. Can we be so laxed? It may be politically correct to accept the “norms” of society, but shouldn’t we be more concerned with what pleases or offends God?

“And because they did not think it worthwhile to acknowledge God, God delivered them over to a worthless mind to do what is morally wrong,” Romans 1:28, Holman Christian Standard Bible. Do we want a depraved mind and heart abandoned to the things of God?

An example, several years ago a high school friend with a different view than my own, continued to try to engage me in political confrontation on Facebook. I insisted that we agree to disagree and move on, staying kind one to another. He called me “an idiot” and his anger on social media escalated.

I could stay linked with him and offend friends who shared my point of view, or “unfriend” him for his rudeness. You can imagine which I chose. I didn’t unfriend him because we disagreed, but because of his pressing attitude toward me. Before making my decision, I gave him a choice, he continued to angrily respond.

If I was offended when someone called me “an idiot,” how must God feel when we curse His name even if it is just a habit or words of dialogue?

The closing days of Lent are leading to a glorious celebration when the Lamb of God was raised from the grave, the death clothes left behind and we were shown the way to eternal life. Before then, Jesus had to endure the cross, the scorn, shame, rejection, torture and betrayal. He said we would, too. Maybe we should think on these things, Philippians 4:8.

Note: Jesus is Alive Prayer Group will have Vicky Branton as its special guest sharing her testimony starting at 4 p.m. with worship ending after prayer at 6:30 p.m. March 25 at the Nativity of Our Lady Hall, 130 Richelieu Circle N. Call Faye at 944-6138.