Deadly Vipers...GREAT BOOK!

I’m reading this very intriguing book entitled “Deadly Viper Character Assassins”. Sounds crazy, right? Well it’s not. It’s written by a pastor and a graphics guy who founded XXXchurch. The book is about exactly what the titles says. Character Assassions. Those things in life that creep in and take hold and before you know it, you’ve blown it. One of the things that has stuck out so big to me so far (I’m only in Chapter 1) is that “we are second chance people in a second chance world.” How true it is. When I think of all the times I’ve made really crappy decisions and the outcome and how it affected me then and even now, it makes me want to strive so much harder to be more Christ-like everyday! I don’t want to have to have those things over my head forever.

The other thing that really sparked me to blog today was this, “true friends stab you in the front.” These guys talk about how they speak so openly with each other and can tell the other very plainly and simply when the other is screwing up. Mike can tell Jud without any caution, “you’re being an a-hole to your wife. Buck up, apologize and stop it!” When I think of how many times and how many friends I’ve minced words around because I didn’t want to hurt their feelings, it makes me sick. I was “taught” to do that in one relationship that has since been demolished, mainly because it wasn’t the way things were done in this one’s life. By default, I can pinpoint in my life, in the last several years, where I have allowed this to become part of my way. I used to be very bold, I still am to some extent, but some of that boldness was wiped away while in this particular friendship…all for the sake of not hurting ones feelings. WHATEVER!!!

We are called to such a higher standard, not only as Christians, but leaders in general. In every aspect. Work, church, family. How many times have you minced words to not hurt a family member’s feelings, knowing that if you spoke your words in love, you would be helping someone. It’s hard to swallow, but it’s my hope that I can break the habit and return to a bold Christian life. Don’t neglect those you love and care of, those you call friends…because as it is said, TRUE FRIENDS stab you in the front.