So you think you’re a Bad Ass
Well – truth is you’re nothing more than a glorified coward.
Men (and women) think that by dressing up evil in leather or tattooing over “trophies” somehow is a sign of victory. Not that there is anything wrong with leather or tattoos – I’m talking about those “Rebels without a cause” types who deem themselves worthy of the title “Bad Ass.” These are those who believe that they have done something extraordinary… that they have overcome the “good” that is inside of them – that they have defiled authority and won the war against being moral…
Well – here’s some truth – they are just like everyone else – only they chose not to “fight the good fight.” They have laid down the warrior’s weapons of truth and justice, hard work and accountability for the cop-out, sissy’s easy-way-out… that is to give up and give in to their sinful nature that God says we are all born with…
Oh denial is bliss… until judgment day that is…
“And this is the judgment: the light has come into the world, and people loved the darkness rather than the light because their works were evil. For everyone who does wicked things hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his works should be exposed. But whoever does what is true comes to the light, so that it may be clearly seen that his works have been carried out in God.” [1]
Evil… sin… sinful nature… We don’t like to hear those words when we are describing ourselves or someone is describing us… so much so that we have removed it from our Bible Studies and even our Pulpits. David and I have seen this behavior… the denial… on so many occasions when we have counseled others. They don’t understand their spouse’s behavior – so we shine the light on the log in their eyes… and they – well, they simply don’t return…. But they wave to us on Sunday mornings as they sit together in the pew on the other side of church… happy… smiling… all snuggly…
It is easy to sit in a pew on Sunday morning and sing songs that are put on a screen or that you hold in your hand. It is easy to listen to a sermon (or pretend to listen) being taught… But what is hard is actually living the life of a Christian – to come out of the darkness – into the light… to be vulnerable… to be accountable.
It takes effort to read and study your Bible on your own or to tune into the Christian music stations for some praise and worship music rather than something else. To stand up to toxic relationships and END them – (including family and friends).
It takes guts to stand up and stand against political hot topics like abortion, homosexuality and adultery.
It takes strength – emotional, mental and physical stamina to take a stand for morals and values when you know you are the epitome of failure.
So why should you get a break? You’re human. Aren’t you? Welcome to the persecution of Christians. Sinners who have inspected the log in their eyes and said – “Yep! there it is!” Sinners who have fallen on their faces time and time again, at the foot of the cross and cried out – “I cannot do this! Why am I like this! Forgive me Father… again!”
All while being mocked by the “Bad Ass,” that can’t even so much as try to get his life together…
Sinners. That’s what we are.
We are no different – and those who pretend to be are living a lie. To be in the light means that we are all exposed – that means that there is nothing blocking who we are – we are sinful creature some who are actually trying to be good – but the reality is that if Christ is not in us, then we are in darkness, we are lying to ourselves and others will eventually see right through the “religious veil” we put up to cover ourselves… our real selves…
So… what to do?
Sometimes the easiest solutions are the hardest to do. We need to surrender. Every thought, every preconceived idea, everything we have learned – we need to lay it down and pick up our Bibles. We need to pray for the Holy Spirit to discern the scriptures and we need to look at the cross reference scriptures in our Bibles and see how they relate to each other so that we can relate them to our lives.
And we need to do it every single day.
Ruth Graham (Billy’s wife) stated that she kept her Bible open in the kitchen because that is where she spent most of her time – and in her time of desperation it was there for her to see – open to the book of Proverbs – there was an answer… always ready at her fingertips – Spiritual strength…. relief from the chaos… and the kids (and Billy) would live to see another day…
Yeaeeee! Isn’t it awesome that God provided us a way out of our misery… a way out of the darkness… a way to see the light in the midst of the darkness – a way to conquer Satan through the power of Jesus.
But make no mistake – It aint for the faint of heart… It’s most certainly not for today’s “Sissified male” or today’s arrogant, shamefully prideful “she-man”… but that discussion is for another day…
So why do we continue to live in darkness? Because we want to. Because we are evil, sinful, rotten to the core people. The Bible tells us over and over and over that our hearts are wicked, our hearts are deceitful, that we are born into sin, that we are in need…desperate need… as in life eternal or eternal death in a lake of fire desperate need of a Savior –
And the Bible also says that you and I are “Without excuse.” (John 15:22)
And even though you might “dress your Sunday best” on those church days….. Or around other Christians… it is just like wearing a skirt without a slip – all will be exposed and Jesus will say, “I never knew you.” (Matt. 7:23).
“They profess to know God, but they deny Him by their works, they are detestable, disobedient, unfit for any good work.” (Titus 1:16)
How plain is that?!
No Christianity isn’t for the “Bad Ass” of today’s America. That would constitute some emotional and mental strength… some energy to persevere… some morals…. some virtue.
It is easy to be bad. It’s easy to sin, because that is what you are born into – it takes guts and strength to be a Christian. You have to work at it and it’s hard. You have to be accountable for things you say and do and for what you have done in your past – and you will make mistakes, fall on your face then you have to get back up and go at it again –
“But we are not of those who shrink back and are destroyed, but of those who have faith and preserve their souls.” (Heb. 10:39)
[1] The Holy Bible: English Standard Version. (2001). (Jn 3:19–21). Wheaton: Standard Bible Society.
Please Share
Follow Me on Pinterest!
Holly T. Ashley 