Mark my WORDS...

     I am the furthest thing from perfect, as none of God's children can ever attain such status. However, at this juncture of my life, I am working, daily, toward being more 'Christ-like' in my behavior(s); I believe that this is what is desired of us, as we journey through this existence. One way, in which I attempt to emulate my Savior, is by being tolerant of, and, accepting others, whose own behavior, at times, does not reflect His goodness. I try, very, diligently, not to judge, as, naturally, I wish not to be judged, myself; yet, I cannot help but take note of some, certain, things, especially, when they occur, 'right under my nose'. It perplexes me, to say the least, when some, whom I know, and, who believe themselves good, practicing, Christians, can be heard speaking ill of others...referring to people in extreme, negative, fashion, bandying about insults with the same ease as drawing breath. It is not my place, or, my position, to find fault in this; as, again, I choose not to make judgement; but, it stymies me a bit, is all. For, I wonder how one can consider him or herself to be 'doing God's work', when he or she can so easily slander another, human-being. Perhaps, part of this practice is predicated on the overall, 'tolerance', by our society, of, and, for negativity, in general. I dunno...I recall an incident, occurring last summer, while I was in attendance of a social-event. There was a 'speaker' who, while making a snide remark, in reference to local politics, and politicians, referred to said, as 'IDIOTS'. His statement caused me to flinch, for several reasons; not the least of which was that there were young, children, in the audience; whom, upon hearing, yet, another, adult, speaking so, will probably grow up thinking it's OK. Some of us, so readily, and, habitually, utilize language and vernacular, that, to me, is hateful and inconsiderate, but, so very, commonplace in our world, as to be appropriate, to others. Jesus asks us to 'treat others as we wish to be treated'; and, whom, among us, wishes to be considered and 'idiot', or, worse? Maybe, some of these type actions, and, mannerisms, are, simply, habitual; but, let's face facts, habits can be managed and changed, right? Perhaps, then, the next time you find yourself engaged in nasty, name-calling, STOP...think about what it is that you're saying, how those words impact on others, and, what they say about YOU! Lucky for ALL of us, that Our God is such a forgiving One. Just Sayin...