Sending the Wrong Signals

While performing a wedding a few years back I had told the Bride’s mother that when her daughter was about to enter the building I would nod at her as a signal that she should stand. When she stood everyone would follow her lead and stand with her.  The building was packed with several hundred family members and friends who had come to share the big day.

Every one was seated and the processional had started when two close friends of mine,  very dear Christian sisters walked into the back of the building.  These two dear ladies were always joking around with me and trying to pull something on me (I am certain that one of them will read this article).  They waved rather big to me from the back of the building, and I just nodded at them. When I nodded, the mother of the Bride stood up and the whole congregation stood!  There was just one problem, it wasn’t yet time for everyone to stand. The wedding director, another friend, was frantically waving her hands trying to get me to have everyone be seated.  Everyone caught on and realized it wasn’t yet time for them to stand, so they sat down, and we got back on track. Thankfully, everyone enjoyed a good laugh and the wedding ceremony came off beautifully.

I have thought about that event many times during the past few years and each time it makes me laugh.  It also reminds me how easy it is for us, unintentionally to send the wrong signals.

Are we send the wrong signal by telling our children that the Lord should be number one in our lives, yet we put our careers, our possessions, or our hobbies before the Lord?  Do we send the wrong signal by telling our mate we love them, yet we rarely take the time to show that love? Do we send the wrong signal to co-workers when they know we are children of God, yet we laugh at worldly jokes, participate in worldly parties, or become involved in unethical business practices? Do we send the wrong signal by claiming to be children of the King, and living like the world?  Do we send the wrong signal by saying that we love the Lord, yet we fail to love His Body? What about you, my friend, are you sending the right signals with your life?  

Dear God, please help us make sure that there is no contradiction between our profession of Godliness and our practice of Godliness.