Ron’s Ramblings

[The following is reprinted from the January 2006 issue of the Lebanon Association newsletter. Director of Missions Ron Gilbert makes some points all Christians should take to heart. TCP]

As we begin a New Year, I have pondered several things that ought to be considered as we begin new things. The foremost on my mind is not anything new because as Solomon said, 'there is not anything new under the sun." My thoughts have been around Christian integrity. Integrity is a broad subject. Now, I will have to admit first that like Paul, I am the chief of sinners. There is none of us righteous, not a one of us. It seems that it would be good to call to our attention some things that I have noticed and heard others speak about.

Overhearing a ladies Sunday School class this past Lord's Day caused me to take notice of what was being said. They were discussing some of the very things that I had been thinking of lately. They were talking about Christians’ driving habits especially when driving Church vans. They felt to be driving a Church van with lettering on it and exceeding the speed limit is a very poor testimony. That would include purposely driving above the speed limit, not stopping at a stop sign, and not wearing seat belts. To me, this is a matter of Christian integrity.

They also mentioned a church group in a marked van openly complaining about the wait at the local Cracker Barrel with an attitude that embarrassed the one who overheard them. What did the non-Christians think?

Another thing that I have noticed which is of greater concern is in several of our churches. I have observed Church members not attending morning worship as well as Sunday evening, Wednesday services, and other church functions. They hold offices that they are not spiritually fit to hold because of their spiritual anemia and try to continue as if things were normal. They still talk the talk, yet without the walk. In the Old Testament when Israel did something similar, God called it rebellion. The people thought that they were rebelling against Moses when God said that they were rebelling against Him (Deut. 31:24-27). This ought not to be, as one of the New Testament writers said. It is hindering the work of Christ and the salvation of souls. For one to say that he or she is a Christian and to act contrary amazes me. I have even seen people come to choir practice either before or after worship and not attend the worship service. There may be occasional circumstances that hinder, but some things are so obvious. It is a matter of integrity. What better way to begin the New Year than pledging to be more mindful of who we are and Whose we are.