When No One is Looking

Today, I felt a strong need to write this letter to you all...even outside of class. Remember how we've been discussing in some of our classes, "What would Jesus do?" in various debate-related situations?

I want to write about how to handle things when you're not debating! I remember, all to well, from my collegiate debate experience, that the MOST TEMPTING situations had a way of popping up in class, after rounds, and in the halls talking to friends.

Those were the moments when you were tempted to gossip about other teams, put down someone else's argument, complain about a judge, verbally comment about who you wished would or would not win, etc. Those were the moments when "no one was looking" when you felt moments of privacy with your closest friends, and felt you could finally vent and release the thoughts that you'd been bottling up inside.

AH, but what a powerful lesson! As I think back on all those things I wanted desperately to say in the hallways or to my friends over the week, etc., most of those things fell in the category of things I would NEVER say to a judge or in a round. Think for a moment. If you would not want others to hear or know that you said it, should you say it at all?

This leads me to the question, in between rounds at the tournament, at lunch, waiting for class to start, in class, when you see your debate friends throughout the week, are you continuing to do what Jesus would do?

Remember your true character is who you are when NO ONE is looking. It is how you act in the most difficult situations. It is whether you glorify the Lord in all that you say and do.

Here's some food for thought. What do you think Christ would have us do in these situations:

Situation 1: You're Opposition for the next round, and so are your dear friends. They want to sit together during prep. time. What would Jesus do?

"Abstain from all appearance of evil." I Thess. 5:22

Situation 2: Another debater calls you on the phone and starts saying unkind things about other debaters. What would Jesus do?

"Where no wood is, there the fire goeth out: so where there is no talebearer, the strife ceaseth." Proverbs 26: 20

Situation 3: You come out of a debate that was really intense and you want desperately to vent and say everything on your mind, including how you felt about the other team and judge. What would Jesus do?

"Bow down thine ear, and hear the words of the wise, and apply thine heart unto my knowledge. For it is a pleasant thing if though keep them within thee; they shall withal be fitted in thy lips. That thy trust may be in the Lord, I have made known to thee this day, even to thee." Proverbs 22: 17-19

Christ commanded us all to treat others as we wish to be treated. This means not saying unkind things to or ABOUT a person, and not participating in gossip - even as the listener. It also means abstaining from the appearance of evil (not only NOT cheating, but not LOOKING like you are). It means seeking the wisdom of those who are older and wiser when things get rough (your parents, etc.), and finding ways to speak with them privately so that you protect the reputation and honor of others. And it means giving others the benefit of the doubt rather than placing blame.

The Lord is good. However, the bar is ever being raised. How good is good enough? How pure is pure enough?

I pray that each of us will glorify the Lord through all of our actions, both during debate and outside of debate. That the Lord will be cleansing our hearts of thoughts that are of anger, malice, gossip, revenge, impurity, or unkindness. We are to love the Lord with all our heart, souls, and minds. This means our thoughts, feelings, and actions are accountable to Him.

Philippians 4:8 says, "Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things."

It is my prayer that all we do, we do as UNTO the Lord.... realizing that EVERYTHING is done FOR Him, For His glory, For His service, that we never settle or give Him less than our very best.

Imperfect but walking with Him who is Perfection,
Kristina Lyn Haines
Philippians Chapter 3