Christian Living

WHERE THERE'S SMOKE, THERE'S FIRE

by Charles (Chuck) Robey
02/08/16
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PLEASE READ (JOHN 8:1-11) IN PREPARATION FOR THIS POEM

Where there's smoke, there's fire
Is there one for hire
Don't get caught in the mire
While singing in the choir                           

Out the window watch it go                    
One's own character  to throw
Now the talents will bestow
Room for trophies you know

The deeds do not align                          
One's achievements  yet  to find
Was it by innocent design
Or to give the peace of mind

 Money is no object here
To help forward a career
The highest bid is cheer
Ability  overcomes  austere

If only  the powers will forgo
All the wrongful cargo
By remembering the  gusto
And  the continued tempo

You've probably heard of the old cliché' " Where There's Smoke, There's Fire". And if a situation looks like something is wrong, society is quick to condemn.  So, regardless of the outcome, of our culture, society seems to  always initially think bad, before thinking good.

Regardless of the philosophy of our legal system, one is usually thought to be guilty of an  injustice, before  being proven innocent.  So, how does this old proverb relate to today's Christian world and how can the false perception be changed?

Let me just be quick to reemphese the fact that Christianity has not changed, only people have. Christianity is the same today, as it was when the church was first established, on the "day of Pentecost. ( Acts 2:41-47)

 --- Those who received the word ( saved ) were baptized and added to the church.

----They continued to devote themselves to the Apostles teaching. to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and prayer.

----Those who had believed were together and had all things in common.

----And day by day continued with one mind in the temple.

----They were taking their meals together with gladness and sincerity of heart.

----They were praising God and having favor with all men.

And, today we hear a lot about the "full gospel" church. So what is the full gospel. Well, it's found in (1 Corinthians 15:1-4.)

So, you see Christianity has not changed. Forgiveness is  the main objective. Forgiveness  of sin (Isaiah 1:18), and forgiving each other Matthew 6:14-15).

The title of Christian has always been based on the example of  following Christ (Philippians 1:21), from its very inception within the early Church. The New Testament manuscripts were written in Greek, Hebrew, and Aramaic originally not English, as English did not exists at this point. The Greek word for Christian found in these passages is: Christian meaning a follower of Christos (Christ). The early day Christians  never had any formal "name" for themselves but were later called Christians by the Romans (Acts11:26) (Acts 26:28) (1 Peter 4:16).

In this political  correct current world, the title of Christian seems to have become rather revolting within certain circles. Much like the title of policeman, if a Christian Minister, or a well known Christian Layman, succumbs to a sinful act,  the very first media headings are scoped by the word "Christian".

 As for me, often times I feel like I'd rather be known as a "follower of Christ" (1 Cor 11:1), than be called a "Christian". Reason being, if known as a "Christian, then the general population would be enticed to label me, according to certain political connotations (2 Timothy 4:3). And would feel needed to treat me a certain way. According to this interpolation, evil would then  tend to hurt my Christian testimony.

However, if know as a "follower of Christ", then I am obligated according to the scripture, to witness for my Savior, Jesus Christ (2 Thess 2:14-15)..

What do you think ?