Some time ago, I attended a St. Louis Cardinals game at Busch Stadium. The Cardinals were playing the Pittsburgh Pirates and the game was a good one. Somewhere around the eighth inning it began to rain. After the rain delay, my father, my brother, and I went back to our seats. Sitting near us, were two teenage boys of about fifteen or sixteen. Many people had left when the rain started, so there were some empty seats down in front of us. Three men came after the rain had stopped and took seats about three rows in front of us. All three had been drinking, but one in particular was making a scene.
This man was using vulgar language and making a “pass” at any young woman that passed by. The two teenage boys sitting near us thought this was funny and moved down closer to these men. It wasn’t long before the boys were talking with the men, especially with the fellow making the scene. As I sat watching the boys talking with the men, it was clear to see that the young men were enjoying themselves. The boys, whom I had not heard utter a single curse word all night, were soon using the same filthy language as these three drunk men. I also began to think about how a total stranger to these boys was very likely to be leading these young men down the wrong path. It is amazing how a total stranger can have so much influence.
Now, you may wonder, “How in the world can I have so much influence over people whom I have never even met?” Think about how much the life of a celebrity influences teenagers and even some adults today. They do not necessarily have to be an actor or actress. What about Lance Armstrong and his fight against cancer? Many people who did not have hope before Armstrong came along are still fighting the disease today because they now know the battle can be won. Now let’s look at the other side. Jennifer Lopez seems to be getting married every two weeks or otherwise has a new boyfriend. Believe it or not, this has a tremendous affect on the lives of the public. Young men and women see this going on with a celebrity and are under the impression that if it does not work out, they’ll just get a divorce and find someone new.
You may think, “How does this apply to me?” Whether you think so or not, you are in the public’s eye. Every time you walk out the door of your home, you are being observed by other people. What you do or say may change someone’s life. So how are we to ensure that the change in the person will be for the better? Matthew 14-16 tells us, “Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” We are to let our “light” shine. Men are to be able to look at us and be able to see without a doubt that we are Christians.
Our language ought to always reflect who we are; followers of Christ. 1 Timothy 4:12 emphasizes the importance of pure speech. We are to be an example “in word” and “in conversation.” We are to refrain our tongues from “evil,” and our “lips that they speak no guile.” Think about what you say before you say it. It is the thing you say that you don’t think about that gets you in the most trouble. I have been in more than one argument that could have been avoided if I would have chosen my words more carefully. “Let your speech be always with grace, seasoned with salt…” is a statement made by Paul in writing to the Colossians that further emphasizes the importance of choosing your words carefully. Some things that are said can easily be taken in the wrong way. You may not have meant it in that way, but the damage is already done. Think about every response that may be made to what you say.
We read in Titus 2:7,8 that we are to show ourselves in a “pattern of good works: in doctrine showing uncorruptness, gravity, sincerity…that he that is of the contrary part may be ashamed, having no evil thing to say of you.” Again, we see that we are to always set the proper example to others that nothing bad can be said about our actions. When you see someone come out of a liquor store, you generally tend to believe that the person is a partaker of strong drink. You do not know the person, but because of his actions, you immediately believe he drinks. Likewise, our actions have an impact on the way people think about us.
We are to examine ourselves constantly (1 Cor. 11:38 and 2 Cor. 13:5). If we do this, we will have no problem in setting the proper example for those around us. Ask yourself daily if there is anything in your life you need to change or improve upon. In this way we will be able lead by example. As mentioned before, you never know when something you say or do may change someone’s life. One other true story I’d like to share with you is a great illustration of how a total stranger can totally change another’s life.
“The story is told of Christopher Kerr who was a young person in high school. One day when he was walking home from school he saw a boy who was standing there who had very thick glasses and was carrying a huge load of books. Some other boys noticed this boy also and were joking about how he looked like a nerd. They started to tease him and bully him and one boy pushed him and the books went flying, his glasses went flying onto the grass and the boy, Kyle, was panicking trying to find his glasses. Christopher felt sorry for him and walked over and found his glasses for him and helped him to pick up his books. They walked home together and realized that they lived within a block of each other. They started talking that day and became friends and for the rest of high school they were the best of friends. Kyle went on to be a scholar in school. He also became part of the football team because of Christopher’s encouragement. He became an athlete in school and at graduation Kyle was elected the class valedictorian. ~When he got up to give his speech he said to the crowd,” You know that most valedictorian speeches are usually about teachers and parents who inspire us. But today I want to tell you about the importance of friendship. When I first came to this school I was bullied. One day I was on my way home from school when some kids bullied me and knocked me over. And my best friend helped me that day, find my glasses, pick up my books. That was very important because that day I had cleaned out my locker because I was on my way home to commit suicide because of the bullying. I had cleaned out my locker so my Mom wouldn’t have to do it. Because of a friend my life was changed.”
Before that day Christopher had no idea who Kyle was. Christopher showed an act of kindness and it changed the course of an individual’s life. We never know how the most insignificant act (to us) can affect another person. A simple act of kindness can turn a life around. Sometimes the best thing we can do for those outside of Christ is to live the proper kind of life before their eyes. Always strive to set the proper example so that others can see Christ in you.
-Josh Romo
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