Why is it?

Can somebody explain to me why so many Christians compromise their faith and lives these days? Yeah, yeah, I know.... Peer pressure. A desensitized society that rubs off on desensitized Christians. A timidity to be bold for Christ. A lukewarm attitude or indifference about being different than the world. An ignorance of what it means to be truly Christian....followers of Christ. I could go on and on....

I recently got into a debate with some other Christians on a popular Christian band's web site message board. These individuals I had the privilege of chatting with were arguing that it was/is "OK" for Christians to curse (or "cuss" as they were calling it, which they say is different than cursing). All admitted that they "cuss" and find nothing wrong with it. It's "only" the condition of the heart when you use certain words, not the words themselves. Some said their pastor even cusses from the pulpit or even while praying to God Himself! One poor misguided soul even went as far as to say he "doesn't give a f***" what his pastor says while another jokingly posted that he "cusses responsibly". I sat and read these words (and many more) in utter shock and sadness at how much our secular, sinful society has affected some people who profess faith in our Lord and Savior. My brothers and sisters, this is not right! We should be different than the world around us! We should not be copying the world's bad habits and then trying to justify or "clean" them up by pretending they're ok! God's word tells us clearly that we should not let any unwholesome words out of our mouths. How can this be so misinterpretted or ignored?

Should Christians stand boldly for Christ and proclaim His word, denouncing the evil lies that are working their way through our congregations and stealing the souls of our fellow believers? I sure believe we should. I believe God's word also says that if we don't give warning that we will also be held accountable for keeping silent. I make no apologies for trying give warnings to my brothers and sisters out of honest concern for the Body and love for God's children. This recent occasion was no exception. "Legalist!" they cried. "Self-righteous!" others said. I was even called a "weaker brother" who had "less wisdom and understanding" by the very same young man who dropped the f-bomb. Now I don't claim to be the smartest guy in my neighborhood, and God has had to whack me with a two-by-four on more than one occasion, but when Romans chapter 14 is even thrown at me and others who dared to call sin a sin I have to question what translation of the Bible these people are reading. When I see this type of thing it's enough to make my heart break. I can't help but wonder how our Father in heaven feels when He hears the foul language of His children and then the attempts to demand innocence in His presence. How often do people choose to take a shower and then refuse to turn the water on and scrub? Like it or not, no amount of deodorant will cover the inevitable stench before God's nose.

Tonight I shed a tear. I shed a tear for the lost who should be found...the found who should be running home after the Shepherd but instead have become ensnared again in another patch of brambles just shy of the open, lush, green meadow. Dear Lord am I a dumb sheep too? Help me to always see my weaknesses through the work of your Holy Spirit, even if it means a whack from your staff. Help me to understand your ways and have a growing desire to cast off my old clothes for your new ones. Help me to see my mistakes and overcome my dumb sheep ways. Thank you for your Son, your mercy, and your grace.