LOL

Today we heard Mike Rowe speak at the National FFA Convention.  He is from the Discovery Channel show "Dirty Jobs With Mike Rowe".  He talked about how he is not how one might think.  He said that he's not an actor.  What he does is real - no script and no retakes.  He's not a host - because he just talks to people.  He said it's important for people to understand that what he does is just working along with others and he likes to think of himself as an apprentice.

The FFA used to be called "Future Farmers of America", but although the organization still uses FFA as it's name, the meaning has changed to much, much more than farming.  Mr. Rowe talked about how it's important for American (and other countries, too) to understand that FFA is important for America because of what it represents and what it does - which may, indeed, involve farming, but also involves many more areas of agriculture (specifically our nation's food supply and energy conservation).  FFA is a great organization and the students involved become educated in many different areas.

When you think about perceptions, think about what people may think of you.  What image do you give others about yourself?  Would others be surprised to know that you are a Christian?  Could they tell you are a Christian by the way you live?  By the way you talk?  By the entertainment you choose?

Many believe that our example is enough to show others about how to be a Christian.  A good example is imperative, but I also believe there comes a point where we have to say something and let them know that we are a Christian.  An example would be if someone is saying vulgar language continually around you and you never say anything, they will assume that you approve of that language, don't you think?  If you and I never stand up (in kindness and with love) and say anything, the people around us may never realize that something might be offensive to us.

Another thing we should speak up for is Jesus.  Confessing Jesus is one of the things we must do before becoming a Christian; however, that confession doesn't stop there.  It must continue the rest of our lives.

"Whosoever therefore shall confess me before men, him will I confess also before my Father which is in heaven. But whosoever shall deny me before men, him will I also deny before my Father which is in heaven” Matthew 10:32-33

The FFA motto this year is "LOL", which stands for "Lead Out Loud".  Of course, this is to reach the texting teens (and adults!) who use LOL all of the time to mean "laugh out loud".  But this LOL is different.  It means don't just sit back and let things happen all around you, but do something.  Do something to lead.  It doesn't mean you have to be the LOUDEST or the one out in front, but it means to do something to make a difference. 

You and I can LOL (Lead Out Loud) as Christians each and every day by making good choices, by showing and telling others about God and about Jesus.  Make the choice to LOL today!!!