This isn't a rant.... This isn't a testimony... This is just a reminder. A reminder to all us christians on how we carry ourselves in the world.

But I do have to tell you something that happened to me to get the the point.

 A while back I was feeling depressed. I was down in the dumps. Now you see, this would definitely be quite obvious to most because I'm a naturally hyped person. I'm always smiling or laughing, unless I'm in the zone. xDD But for those couple of weeks I wasn't myself. And people could tell. One of my good friends noticed this and she came to me with, what I believe was, a word from God.

 And it soaked through.

After hearing this and letting God talk to me, I realized something.

 The world is ALWAYS watching us. What I mean by that is the world (non-christians and such) are always watching us christians. They let what we do, how we act, what we say, determine what they're spiritual relation with God is. Now, I'm sure most of you were aware of this...

 And I'm sure that most of you have heard the excuse, "But christians are all hypocrites!" And that is their excuse not to become a christian and/or get closer to God. Jer. 17: 5-10 tells us not to rely on man, but instead on God. If you we rely on man, then things won't work out for us because we can't trust men. But if we rely on God then our lives will flourish.

Of course most non-christian probably aren't aware or concerened with that scripture. They're just searching for any excuse to live the way that they want to live.

So why not help them instead of giving them these "excuses"?

The Bible says that the joy of the Lord is our strength. It says that joy is our's. It tells us to rejoice in the Lord. It tells us to be glad!

And what do we do when something bad happens? Or when something inconviences us? Or somebody gets on our nerves? The list goes on! But what do we do?

We either get really mad and angry or we get depressed or some other emotion.

That's not joy.

As christians we can't wear our emotions on our shoulders. We have to give whatever is bothering us to God and have joy. If not, we'll be labeled hypocrites.

And I realized that. I call myself a christian, kids at my school KNOW that I'm a christian. I try my best to walk out the path that Jesus has laid before me. But at the same time I'll walk down those hallways with my head bowed, trying to shun the world. Or my fists clench, holding back things I'd rather not say because somebody ticked me off.

That's not proclaiming the good news of the Lord. That's not saying Jesus loves you. Heck, we may be the only Jesus some people see. And we want them to see that?

I dunno... Maybe this isn't making sense.... But just remember that when you're angry or depressed to cheer up. The joy of the Lord is your's! And people are always watching you, criticing you. You could be the turn of somebody's life. Either in a bad way or a wrong way. Remember not to wear your emotions on your shoulders, they're watching.

Much love! ♥

-xXx-Lindsey-xXx-