Bad Company - 1 Corinthians 8:9

 But beware lest somehow this liberty of yours become a stumbling block to those who are weak.  - 1 Corinthians 8:9

    This post is directed not to the weak but those who believe they are strong in the faith. As a Christian blogger I watch the news for stories that deserve Christian scrutiny. I also observe the popular culture to see how many and how awful the things are that we replace God with. And I am specifically referring to Christians here, not unbelievers. Those who have no belief in God never surprise me with the levels of debauchery they sink to. It is the behavior of those who claim the mantle of “Christian” that astounds me.
    In an earlier post this year I wrote that we shouldn’t over-emphasize the small differences between our Christian brothers and sisters. If scripture doesn’t specifically deal with an issue on moral grounds then the chances are we need only use the litmus test of edification to determine whether or not the thought, word, or action is appropriate for a Christian.  “Examine yourselves as to whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Do you not know yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you?—unless indeed you are disqualified.”  - 2 Corinthians 13:5.
    How often is it that we partake in an activity (i.e speech, movies, television, books, magazines, music, socializing, etc.) that we should take a step back and ask ourselves - “How will what I am about to say or do influence another Christian?” Will it weaken the brother’s or sister’s resolve because they look to me as an example? Perhaps even more important: how will it influence an unbeliever? Will it further distance them from God? Will it further encourage them to mock God? “How long, O you sons of men, will you turn my glory to shame? How long will you love worthlessness and seek falsehood?” - Psalm 4:2.
    As Christians we simply must adhere to the words of Isaiah - “Depart! Depart! Go out from there, touch no unclean thing; go out from the midst of her, be clean, you who bear the vessels of the Lord.” - Isaiah 52:11. If our words and deeds don’t edify then neither do they glorify God Almighty. Let no man ever scoff at God because of our words or behavior and may we always present ourselves as holy before men and our Lord.