By: Shelby Reid
Do not love this world nor the things it offers you, for when you love the world, you do not have the love of the Father in you. For the world offers only a craving for physical pleasure, a craving for everything we see, and pride in our achievements and possessions. These are not from the Father, but are from this world. And this world is fading away, along with everything that people crave. But anyone who does what pleases God will live forever. 1 John 2:15-17
Recently I read an article in the newspaper titled “The world according to Ashton Kutcher”. It talked about how Ashton was a sort of “light in the darkness” at the Teen Choice Awards 2 weeks ago. He isn’t generally known for being the family values type, but he did give a rather inspirational speech upon getting up at the awards ceremony. He talked about how you need to build your own life and make something of yourself; how in order to be happy you need to have real morals. Being a good person makes for a far better experience on this earth. And of course, he’s right.
The article went on to ask the question, “Why aren’t important qualities like good work ethic, thoughtfulness and generosity taught in schools anymore?”. The writer answered with the well-known concept that if we tell people what to do, they’ll get offended.
The United States has become an ever so apathetic people, when it comes to what’s right. “Why am I even being this ‘good person’ to begin with?” Why blame them for wondering? When you don’t ‘build your life’, as Kutcher said, on something structurally sound there really isn’t a point! This brings me to the question: are you a moralist, or are you a Christian? Do you know the difference? A moralist, as defined by google is, “A person who teaches or promotes morality.” Morality, being the principles of distinguishing right from wrong. In short, a moralist is someone who practices good behavior.
Now, most people will say that they are a christian. They believe in God; that there is a deity, or a higher power. But take a look at their lives. Are they portraying who Jesus is? Would you be able to pick them out of a crowd and say, “They must be following Jesus”. Many times I don’t think I could even say that about myself, let alone someone else! Sure, I could say they’re a good person, but in the end the term ‘moralist’ is far more accurate.
See, Christian, to me, means that you whole-heartedly worship the King of the universe, giving Him all the glory and putting full trust in His divine plans. If you’re doing that, people will see that you’re different.
I mean, why did God give the Jews so many laws to abide by back in the Old testament? Some of those seemingly ridiculous laws to the eyes of our current society, were actually a way of telling God’s people apart from others. God wanted people to be able to tell that the Jews were His- and His alone.
That being said, you should know now that being a Christian is a lifestyle choice. Not only is it profession of faith, but it is an action of that faith. “Jesus died for you in public, don’t live for Him in private” is a quote I hear all the time. Why not make that truth evident in your life? Don’t just be a good person, know that you have been chosen and called to walk just as Jesus did.