Friday; June 13

Back in the day it was said that you could tell the “good” cowboy star in the movies because they always wore the white hats.  I am not sure if that was true or not, but “wearing a white hat” has become synonymous in our culture with being the good guy.  Interestingly, something happened along the way – a lot of people began wearing “gray” hats.  Throughout my lifetime, there has been a movement away from being a goodie two shoes and adopting a mindset of blending in with everyone else.  The rationale has become that we can do a lot more good if we look like (and are trusted by) those we are trying to influence.  I am not sure about that.  Wouldn’t it give those who are watching us the wrong message if they are having trouble distinguishing the good from the bad?  The closer we get to the edge, the easier it is to fall off the line and onto the wrong side.

When Jesus was establishing His movement, He called on His people to make sure that people knew where they stood.  Not only were they to do what was right, they were to be beacons of godliness.  After calling on His disciples to be a light to the world, He challenges them, “Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.” (Matthew 5:16).  In a confusing world, people need to be able to make a choice – will they follow good or evil.  Let’s do what we can to make the choice easy for them.  I don’t think it makes a lot of sense to trick them or confuse them into following us … let’s stand up for what we believe in – what is right – and give people the chance to choose which way they want to go.

Think About It!