Stay Outta The Wrong Way

Have you ever wondered why so many people want to tell others what to do or how to do something, like live their lives. I find this often in Christian circles, where believers will often tell others how to live. I think (maybe) their hearts are trying to be in the right place, while they do this but their approach (or even efforts) may be a reason they are often not successful. When I see groups outside of a lascivious event passing out Bible tracts, or holding up signs, I pray for their safety. But, I don’t have that calling. Psalm 1 begins by saying, Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked or stand in the way that sinners take or sit in the company of mockers…(NIV).” I think that is some very good advice. Well, it is God’s Word, (English translation of course), which is always very good. It then goes on in the Psalm to compare and contrast sinners' lives versus a righteous persons’.

We have all seen various “righteous” church groups and affiliations protest outside clinics, or other places where God’s word is not being followed. Many times these folks just quietly pray. Sometimes they engage the patrons of these places in an unquiet manner as well. I have seen Christians get into downright loud disagreements with patrons/sinners and I can’t help but think that this is not a very good representation of what God’s word says to do.

From my readings of the Bible we have the Psalm that was stated above. There is also a verse that tells us to run from the devil. We have a few places that say to live quietly, working with our hands, and in others be ready to answer when someone asks you about why you live like you do, for Jesus. I cannot recall one where the Bible says to engage with the path of sinners. Now, we all sin and if I took the past few thoughts to the highest levels I wouldn’t associate with anyone. But, we all know Jesus sat and ate with sinners, He spoke with them, He even told them to sin no more. I believe we are to converse and have folks we know who may not be believers in God and Jesus’ sacrificial life He gave for ours. I just don’t think we are to hang out with planning sinners, or those who openly mock or belittle others in their discussions. Most importantly, to me, we don’t get in the way of sinners. Unless we are the object of their sin, we should get out of their way. If they want our opinion, they will ask. Then you can be ready with that answer that leads them to Christ. As mentioned, we all sin. Christians do their best not to. But, aren’t we humans happier when someone doesn’t get in our way? Thinking of that, I thank God we do not rely on our happiness to guide us. We rely on His Word.

The Bible does say that a Christian who knows of another believer’s sin can confront them, and it has a method to follow for this matter. This is different from getting in the path of a sinner who does not believe in God or Jesus’ work done for us. It also says don’t throw your pearls to swine and if I am not mistaken, that means that we don’t share the riches of God’s word with those who do not want to hear it. But, if we (believers) act as we should, our lives will be a testimony to all and sometimes we may be asked why we live as we do.

I had this happen to me last year at work. A co-worker who is very good at working with our students came to me and said, “Mr. B., I've never seen you angry. I’ve never seen you lose your cool, or lash out at someone here, not even a misbehaving child.” We are both government workers and some of those behaviors are “standard operating procedures” in some schools. I was able to share that my faith in God and Jesus helps me see what is important in our lives and that I can be a better role model on how to handle turbulent times in the manner I do. Rather than teach the children and everyone else around me at our school how to be frustrated and uncontrolled, like in the reality shows many people watch. I stated that there is a better way, Jesus’ way, to treat others than the world demonstrates. That is why I behave as I do. We have become better co-workers and friends. I don’t know their lives very well but they asked and I shared. Simple, unassuming and hopefully we brought a smile to God’s face.

We are who we hang around. I teach that to all the kids at my school. My parents taught me that first. The Bible teaches that when it begins in Psalm 1, and it says who not to hang around at the wrong time. I find the best I can do when I see evidence of sin around is to pray. I don’t even need to be at the location of the offense. God is everywhere, so when I pray no matter what or who I am praying for, God is there; with me and them. So, please don’t ask me to go to a concert or show, or a place where there are sinners doing what sinners do, to pass out Bible tracts or share my faith. I’d rather be the believer God directs in Psalm 1. I’ll go hang out with you, and if someone asks, I’ll gladly tell them about the answer. But, I’m gonna stay out of their way, because I want to be on a different way.