"For even hereunto were ye called:
because Christ also  suffered for us,
leaving us an example,
that ye should follow  His steps."
- I Peter 2:21

Around our house we have what is known as the "good China."  These are the set of dishes that are prominently  displayed in the aptly named "China Cabinet" in the dining  room of our home.  Etched in 24 Karat Gold trimming, these  elegant place settings are perfect for any formal occasion.   (Sounds like I'm reading the description straight off the box, 
doesn't it? ;-)

In addition to the Chinaware, we also have a set of crystal  glasses in which we may serve beverages.  It's some kind of  really weird crystal...

...it's made out of lead, or something like that. ;-)

And, what setting would be complete without silverware? Stored away, nice and neat, we have a set of knives and  forks and spoons to complete the collection rather nicely.  

Yes, my friends, we have a nice set of dishes that were  given to us by various folks before we were married...

...and then we have the set of dishes that my wife allows me to eat off of!

Let's see.  We have a couple of plastic cups from Pizza  Hut.  There is some glassware, I can't remember if it was a  jelly tumbler or peanut butter tumbler prior to being my  beverage glass of choice.  Seems like I recall a bowl that  was once home to butter or margarine or something like  that.  I still cannot get the chili stain out of one of it, but I use  it for my cereal.  The plates all have nicks and scratches on  them.  The forks are missing a few tines and the knives are  duller than my high school Civics teacher. ;-)

Now, I ask you, what's wrong with this picture?

We have all of this really nice stuff and we only bring it  out for special occasions, while choosing to use something  less than the best throughout the remainder of our days.   Doesn't make sense to me.

You know, sad to say, there are many Christians who do  something that is just as illogical.  Know what it is?  They  wait until Sunday to bring out the "good China."  

That's right.  Through the week they just live lives that are  something less than their best.  They watch inappropriate  movies and television, listen to ungodly music and spread  gossip and little white lies.  Sometimes you'll find them with  bad attitudes and wrong motives.  They'd rather read the  newspaper than the Bible and they'd rather talk to their co-workers than to Jesus.  Oh, it just doesn't  make sense to  me.

Then, things dramatically change on Sundays.  Why, it's  a special occasion, you know.  Time to bring out the "good  China."  And so, it's off to church with their smiles and  spiritual talk, only to change again when the service is over.

My friends, it simply ought not to be.  We shouldn't live  different lives at church than we do at home or work.   Christianity isn't a nametag that you can put on and take off  whenever you want.  The Lord expects us to be faithful to  Him at all times, regardless of where we are.  The things we say our "Amens" to on Sundays need to be the beliefs that  mold and shape our lives Monday-Saturday.

And so, today, as you walk wherever your path takes  you, there is a choice to be made in the quality of your  Christian living.  Will you be faithful to live your very best  before the Lord?  Or, will you walk half-heartedly through the  motions?

What's it going to be today, Christian?  Plastic Pizza Hut cups or 24% lead crystal?

Have a "Wonderful DAY in Christ,"
Jimmy D. Brown
\o/ Praise Jesus!