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You may considered this a trite illustration reserved for children,
but think about it for a minute. If Jesus were here today, would
He choose me for a friend?
Whatever we do in word or deed is to be done in the name of our
Lord Jesus while giving thanks to God (Col. 3:17). If everything
is to be done in the name (by the authority) of Jesus, then He approves
of the activity because He has authorized it. Christians are to
participate in activities authorized by Jesus.
Paul says: "Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor what is evil.
Cling to what is good" (Rom. 12:9). Rejoice always, pray without
ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God
in Christ Jesus for you. . . . Test all things; hold fast what is
good. Abstain from every form of evil" (1 Thess. 5:16-22). So, Christians
are limited to activities of which thankful prayers may be offered
to the Lord. Christians do not desire an association with anything
having the slightest appearance of evil. Christians participate
in activities in which Jesus would participate.
A recent "Dear Abby" column contained two letters concerning a
"clergy" and a "minister" who drink alcoholic beverages. The "clergy"
person was out drinking and playing cards. The female "minister"
was at a "church picnic" drinking beer. Although we do not know
all of the specifics, think about the things which accompany such
events - smoked filled rooms, loose tongues, course jesting & licentious
behavior. What do you think, would Jesus be at these events and
join in this form of recreation?
Now think on these questions:
- Would Jesus have accompanied me on dates?
- Would Jesus have gone to the movies with me?
- Would Jesus sit in my home and watch the videos I have been
renting?
- Would Jesus have gone with me to the parties I have attended?
- Would Jesus have gone with me to sporting events - would my
behavior change?
- Would Jesus go to church with me?
- Would Jesus stay home with me instead of assembling with the
saints?
- Would Jesus laugh at my jokes?
- Would Jesus watch TV and listen to music with me?
We have all sinned and made mistakes. Each of us has done things
we would be ashamed for Jesus to see.
But the fact is that Jesus is with us all of the time, and everywhere
we go. Even when we are alone, Jesus is with us - we are never alone.
Jesus sees and knows everything.
When on earth, Jesus had friends. The Apostles, Mary, Martha, and
Lazarus were His friends. These, and others like them, are the people
with whom Jesus chose to associate, relax, and recreate. Think about
this: If Jesus was here today, would He choose me for a friend -
a person with whom to rest from the labors and trials of the day,
a person with whom to enjoy a meal at the end of the day, a person
with whom to recreate?
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