Am I a barrel guy or a bride? What???

Yesterday, I came across a copy of a leadership honor code that I had to sign to take part on a church ministry team.  You needed to refrain from these behaviors if you were to be on the team. I'm including the list, but pay close attention to number 9.

1. profanity

2. smoking and chewing tobacco

3. gambling

4. indulging in much wine or other alcoholic beverages

5. dishonest gain

6. illegal drugs

7. pornography

8. sexual immorality

9. all behaviors which might cause Christ to grieve and others to stumble.



Actually, this list could be longer. What about gossiping, manipulation, intimidation, controlling others, hatred, envy, outbursts of anger, rage, greediness, lying and cheating?  But, number 9 is key.  It is meant to include all those behaviors and narrows done the reason why.


I started thinking about Christians in general, sin, what’s right, what’s wrong and how do we live a Christ-like life without coming off having a holier than thou attitude.   


Well… there is a right and there is a wrong. There are behaviors, that as Christians, we are not supposed to engage in. As a matter of fact the scriptures state that these behaviors shouldn't even be named among us.   But how do we live this type of life and not act pious?   One statement you frequently hear from non-Christians is that Christians are a bunch of hypocrites. Though this statement has some validity, it is not true of all Christians.   So…what’s the difference between an authentic Christian and a hypocrite?


Matthew 5:16 says, "Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven." 


As I was pondering all these things, a picture popped up in my head. I saw a cartoon like figure of a man carrying a huge barrel in front of him. The barrel had righteous deeds written on it. He was touting it around proudly, declaring what he had done and what he refrains from doing. His facial expression was one of pride.  I knew immediately that this man represented the face of religion.  Religion basks in what it has accomplished and puts it out front for all to see. The next scene was that of a beautiful angel-like woman who was wearing a glistening gown that flowed out to the ground in a long sparkling train. This woman's face reflected the love of Christ. The focus was not on herself and her deeds weren't before her, but they were behind her. They were an extension of her relationship with Christ. The words righteous deeds weren't even written on her garments, you just knew what they were.


This picture helped me understand where the struggle all began for Christians with what's right and what's wrong. The word Christian means Christ follower. When you are spending time with your Savior, His love envelops you, His Word convicts you, and His compassion moves you. You can't help but give to others what you have been given. And like Number 9 stated above you don't want to grieve Him because you are so grateful for what He has given you.  You also would not want to cause another to stumble because Christ’s compassion lives in you.


It’s never been about checking off a list of do and don’ts and then priding ourselves on our accomplishments.  It’s always been about a loving relationship with Christ and out of that relationship naturally flows behaviors that are pleasing to Him.    


Am I against leadership honor codes?  No.  I’ve had people sign similar codes that worked on my ministry team.   That’s not the point.   The point is… what is my attitude about these behaviors?   Am I a big barrel guy who outwardly follows the rules and condemns those who don’t or am I the bride of Christ reflecting his beauty and goodness beckoning those to follow?