vs 9 ... But God does care when you use your freedom carelessly in a way that leads a fellow believer still vulnerable to those old associations to be thrown off track.
The appearance of evil. A daunting subject.
*deep sigh* Ok ... here goes.
When Hubby and I first started dating, I was in a very tense living arrangement. Following my divorce, I wasn't able to manage the financial aspects of our house, and lost the lease on it. The children moved in with The Ex, and I moved in with a friend of mine. It was very difficult living with her ... she was an interesting character. But a roof is a roof. Not long after Hubby and I got engaged, I reached a point when I could no longer tolerate living there. Hubby and I began looking for what would be "our" first apartment, but only I would be living there in the beginning. We found the cutest little place, fell in love, and I moved in.
Only 5 minutes later, The Ex got into some major legal issues and went to jail, the two kids (now what we collectively call The Bigs, tho at the time they were The Onlys) moved in with me. I needed a lot of help right there at the beginning, and Hubby was awesome! He would often stay late at night, and sometimes even all night.
A friend of ours stepped in as soon as she heard this was going on and got very very angry with us. She didn't ask if we were "behaving" - said she didn't even care. It didn't matter what we were or were not doing ... only that it looked as if we weren't doing right. Simply, can CAN'T control the thoughts of others. They are going to think what they want to, no matter what.
Puts us all in a difficult position, doesn't it? We are called to be Christ-like, but we all know we're not always perfect, all the time. The task of setting a good example for those we are ministering to (or even just anybody standing around and noticing you) is daunting and huge and almost unbearable. Prayer, wise choices, prayer, thinking/planning ahead, prayer, the ability to ask forgiveness of others when you do mess up, and prayer. The only solution I have.
I learned a very valuable lesson that summer. Someone is always watching. Even when no one is around? God still sees me.
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