Duality

For just as through the disobedience of the one man the many were made sinners, so also through the obedience of the one man the many will be made righteous. -- Romans 5:19 NIV

I wrote yesterday about our jobs as Christians to support one another instead of tearing each other down. The verse from Romans bears out what I was talking about.

Over the years, I've heard plenty of celebrities and star athletes quoted as saying they don't consider themselves role models. I've always disagreed. We are all role models. The Bible tells us that our actions, our choice to be obedient to God or to be disobedient not only have personal consequences but also affect others. If I know someone who has struggled with alcohol and yet I spend my time drinking and partying and asking the friend to join me, my choices affect both of us. I have a responsibility to help keep my friend away from the things that he struggles with instead of trying to push him into them.

On the flip side, if I choose to remain obedient I have the opportunity to show others what it looks like to love Jesus. When you really feel connected spiritually I can tell you that people know you are different. I don't really understand how it works, but I know you'll find yourself talking about God more. You seem to be put into situations where you can continue to make an impact on others' lives. It's a great feeling to walk away from an encounter knowing you've gotten to be a part of something like that and, based on Romans, you know your obedience will create righteousness in others.