Fundamentally Speaking

I know, I'm not a pastor or even the best example for saying something like I am about to say, but I believe it's important and most people don't even realize it.

I've been a Christian my whole life, born and raised. Made the decision to follow God when I was 5 or 6, and have grown up in a great Christian home and home church(es). However, I think the church has been getting to a point of too much acceptance. I know Jesus said to accept everyone no matter their faults and all that jazz, but isn't there a point where you should say "you know what, that isn't right". I'm not talking about those wackos who go out to Anti-Gay rallies and say "Jesus hates gays" because you know what, He doesn't. I was raised to believe and I know He loves everyone. But there has been this fundamental problem that people believe that once they turn to Jesus and accept Him as their Lord and Saviour, that their old behaviours are still allowed. Yes yes, you can ask to be forgiven and all is well and fine, but what about the younger generation. The ones that look up to the young adults and adults and say "I wanna be like them". What do they think when they see who they thought were amazing people and amazing role models, when their role models are going out partying, or even drinking. What does that say to a teenagers mind. I don't need to tell you, I'm pretty sure you can guess. I have been raised to act my best because I don't want people seeing me the wrong way. There is times I haven't been the best role model and done stupid stuff. Nobody's perfect. However, there is this thinking among Christians that we can accept behaviours that aren't necessarily... Christian-like.

In my opinion, when you make that decision to ask Jesus to be your Lord and Saviour, something needs to change inside of you. You have to say "No, that's my old life. I don't need to be doing that anymore." because like it or not, if you're in a church environment, your a role model for someone younger then you. I still remember that day when I was 5 or 6 when I asked Jesus to come into my life as my decision and not my parents, and I still remember the day I got baptized. These were life-changing moments for me, and my lifestyle reflects that. I try to treat everyone pretty well and equal (yes I have some friends which I trust more, but that isn't what I'm getting at), I don't drink, I don't go out to bars and party, I don't have sex with people I'm not married to (which, for the record, I have never been married). My whole point of this rant is, I know people want to do what they think is right and people have their own opinions on what is right or wrong, but if you're in a church environment and your not a teenager (or even if you are), you need to be thinking about who is looking up to you and what your actions might do as an effect in their lives. You also need to re-examine your relationship with God, because although it might be really great, if you didn't experience a life-changing event when your gave your heart to Him, it's time you thought about it more.

Also suds