SO IS THIS WHAT OTHERS SEE

when they look at me?

I promised a little salt and light discussion. In scripture we're told to be salt and light. We're told that others should see God's glory in us. That others should want what we have; that is, the love of Jesus in our hearts and in our lives.

Then there is I. Two cases in point.

A neighbor of mine drops f-bombs and GD's on me as we talk. Oh, he's pleasant all the while, but his language is punctuated with expletives. I don't know whether to hope it's only with me that he feels that comfortable or if that's his normal conversation with everyone else. Neither thought is comforting. But if it is the former, then why does he unload on me? What does he see in me that makes him think it's acceptable to do that?

My other example comes from the golf course. Once in awhile when my wife and I play golf, we get paired with another twosome. Almost always, they are respectful to her. Most are somewhat surprised at how far she hits her drives, but they are cordial to us both and we generally have a good time.

Once last Summer while playing the course we live on, she bailed after 7 holes to cook supper because I had BSF and had to eat early. I drove her home and returned to play the last two holes. As soon as we got to the tee box, the expletives started. So while they were perfect gentlemen for 16 holes, once my wife was removed from the scene, they relaxed their language--or reverted to their vulgarities.

Again, what made them think I'd approve or tolerate? What did I look like to them? Well, my fear is that I looked no different than a non-Christian. And that's the problem.

I suppose I'm side stepping the issue. If I ignore the f-bomb, which isn't as offensive as the GD or JC to me, I could still address the problem by saying something like,"Man, don't say that around me; I love Jesus." Now I just have to put it into practice.

But will I?