Can I be honest with you for a minute? People never cease to amaze me. I’ve noticed that when people find out that you’re saved they expect you to act a certain way and exhibit a certain type of behavior; and they should. After all, we are called to a higher standard (I Peter 1:16, I Peter 2:9). But what I’m getting at here is when folks deliberately push your buttons to see how far you’ll let them go, and how you’ll react, eager to remind you to be on your best behavior in spite of; because remember you are a Christian. Have you ever been pushed by someone to the limit? How did you react?
I recall an incident when I had to take a cab to my destination because I was running late.
The driver and I struck up a conversation and somewhere in there I happen to mention that I was a Christian. When I arrived to the place I was going, I asked “How much?” He looked at me, and charged a ridiculous amount for the distance that he drove. I know because it’s not the first time that I’ve taken a cab that route. I was furious! He tried to rip me off! I yelled in my own defense, and before I could finish, he blurted out “And you say you’re a Christian!?” And then he laughed.
When we’re tested, we should undoubtedly act out of love. But the bible itself lets us know that it’s ok to be angry, just as long as we don’t sin in the process (Ephesians 4:26). I left the cab feeling all kinds of ways. I was still angry, but more concerned that I did a poor job in representing myself as a Christian. I concluded that it was important for me to stand up for myself, rather than allow him to try to use my faith against me. So for those individuals who decide to nit-pick at any and everything that I do, let me make a few things clear to you- Just because I’m saved doesn’t mean:
I’m a push over
You can walk all over me
I won’t check you real quick…..and so on. Dear readers, don’t be afraid to add to the list.
Written By: Shenelle Wallace
8 comments
Great article. Just because you’re saved doesn’t mean you become this ficitional character that nothing bothers you, you don’t have problems, or you won’t stand up for yourself. You’re saved but you’re human.
I especially like the questions, for instance, “What you don’t curse?” Which is quite funny to me. I my job I handle a lot of escalated phone calls. It is very testing at times but, it is quite funny how one can poke holes in someone’s story, and point out to them how they lied to me and didn’t realized that I caught them in a lie. It is quite interesting because then you find out how many people are truly looking at you actions and how you carry yourself in the world
Just because I’m a Christian, does not mean I’m a punk (BK All Day, hahaha)! As Christians we have to let people know that in a nice, assertive and professional way. I like Ephesians 4:26 also.
When it say you can be angry as long as we don’t sin in the process what dose that mean
David, it means that its ok to be upset about something but don’t start acting out. For example, if you get into a heated argument, don’t start cursing. Don’t be spiteful, or “render evil for evil” (Romans 12:17, meaning if you’ve been done wrong, don’t set out to get the person back. Remember ‘vengeance is mine says the lord’ (Romans 12:19). They will reap what they sow. I know easier said than done. But its possible. I hope this helped.
This is so true a lot of the times people feel that because you are a christian they can throw it in your face when you don’t meet their standard of approval… but in another light I had a situation where my duty on my job cause me to act less than what I or christ would be proud of… I was talking to someone on the phone who clearly was reading from a script and I told her… “you dont know what you are doing”. One of my co-workers who I consider to be a dear friend of mine “who is not saved” called me out on and said… “you need a vacation b/c the way you just spoke to that person on the phone was not christian like.”I was glad that she said what she did b/c I was going through a process where I was asking God to show me, me… and while God was showing me myself, I did not like that aspect of who I was when I was at work. Even though he used someone that was un saved to bring about a conviction/rebuke I was greatful that he chose to allow me to see me. Since that day… Lets just say I have great things to say when I am on the line talking with insurance company representative. I bite my tounge when it needs to be bit and I think before I open my mouth… to God be the glory!!! 🙂
Lovin this one girl!!!! We r all human and just because we’re saved doesn’t mean we don’t struggle to keep our flesh in check! People need to remember this so if they catch us on a bad day..lol they don’t wonder why! LOL! For all have sinned and come short… tHIS ISN’T AN EXCUSE THOUGH TO behave any way we want! Thanks for sharing this!
Jus cause I’m saved doesn’t mean that I automatically become Super Christian and always act/walk as I should . Having a worthy walk is a product of knowing the doctrine then choosing to mortify the deeds of the flesh and yield our members as instrument of righteousness unto God. Being saved does not do away with volition and our responsibility to choose to allow god’s word to work effectually in us as we believe it.
Grace and peace to all the saints and faithful in christ called according to his purpose.
Trey W.