"W"

There are situations in an alien culture like we're living in right now as Christ-followers where we are seeking to identify with it - where we are endeavoring not to be isolated from it - yet where we are attempting not to get sucked into it.

Very tricky, because our present situations require us to know how far to go and at what point to draw the line.  This is where character, principle, values and conviction come in.

In a business, when everybody in the department is padding their expense account because 'everybody just does it,' what does the Christ-follower driven by integrity do?  He'll do what God calls him to do and let the chips fall where they may because he knows God is working on his behalf.

In high school, if you don't cheat on your exams a little here or there, you're the weirdo.  But the young Christ-follower with even half a backbone of principle and conviction will say, "If that's how it is, I'm happy to wear the big "W."

'This is where character, principle, values and conviction come in.'

This is huge for us in 2014 because - according to research done by pollster George Barna - there is no statistical moral difference between the average Christ-follower and the average unbeliever when it comes to matters of honesty.

Please wait here while I stick something very sharp into my eye.

God has called us to live according to a different set of guidelines.  He's asking us to do life in such a way that people see us living the Jesus-life without hypocrisy, while at the same time reaching out to unbelievers in grace and love.

Tricky?  Sure.  But when we work it out - in the world, not of the world, but sent to the world - we'll make it easy for people to find and experience God.

Wear the "W."

And be blessed.