Christians Who Play in the Mud - when is it Time to Clean Up?

Some of us are clean freaks. Others are messies. Either way at some point in our life we need to determine if it's time to clean up our act. All folks who claim to be a Christian get themselves dirty from time to time. Some just get a little dust on their feet. Others accidentally fall into a mud puddle. Others decide that they like the dirt and choose to dive into an ocean of scum and never come out.

Unfortunately, there is a huge misconception about how Christians should deal with the dirty saint. Many believe it's acceptable to kick them while they are down. Often compassion, mercy and love are never shown. That being said, I believe there is a trend in the community of believers today that is going in the opposite direction.

We are all feeling the pressures of the times, and are responding with a resounding, "is it worth the sacrifice?" I know there are those of you that have managed to escape this trap, and I applaud you, but please don't look down upon your brother or sister who may be struggling with this. You need to understand that in this day and age you are a minority if you have managed by the grace of God to not be affected by it.

This thing I am taking about is the overwhelming move toward carnality in the body of Christ. I know, because I have personally been moving in that direction, and have also talked to many strong men and women of God who are experiencing the same thing. The few of you who don't know what I'm talking about need to keep doing what ever you have been doing and pray for Gods mercy to keep you strong.

This state of affairs in the body of Christ is not a surprise to me because the bible talks about the struggles we will have as we get closer to the end times. I believe ( as many do ) that we are in the middle of those struggles. So, how do we get past this time of testing?

Be honest with yourself and God (1 John 1:5-7).