I am too worried about what people think about me, and that often leads to me getting defensive when I am confronted about anything I am not proud of. I don’t want to be judged based on one bad habit (or two). I want to keep rocking my swagger mask. So I go into defense mode.
When we start to get defensive, we find ways to justify what we are doing even if deep down we know it is not in line with our Christian values. Think about the things you spend your time on: the movies and television shows you watch, your hobbies, the music you listen to, and the people that you hang out with.
If any of these things were less than holy and somebody called you on it, your first response would probably be, “what’s wrong with that?” After asking this question, it is very easy for you to justify your actions by saying “there’s nothing ‘that bad’ in that movie,” “everybody listens to that kind of music,” or “he’s not as bad as everybody says.” Excuses for tiptoeing the “in the world, but not of it” line are never in short order.
But let’s go back to that original question. “What’s wrong with that?” Is that something you think Jesus would say? Think about a strong Christian example in your life. Have you heard them ask that question? I certainly hope not. The key to finding purity in your life is to change the question.
Instead of trying to figure out what is wrong about a decision, we should focus on how that decision could glorify Christ. We should ask, “what is good about this situation?” or “how does this decision bring me closer to God?” If this becomes our immediate reaction, we will begin to put the focus on Jesus and take it off of our selfish desires, whatever they may be.
The next time you are faced with a tough decision, practice asking the right question and see how it changes your focus.