Ever wonder why some people’s friends at work or school don’t take them seriously as born again Christians? That’s because they don’t see them at worship, with their hands held high, their eyes closed, clapping their hands, and their voices lifted up in songs of praise to God. They don’t see them with an open Bible in their laps, writing down notes from the preacher’s sermon, shaking their heads in agreement and saying amen with real vigor. They don’t see them praying the sinner’s prayer with people who came forward, or taking communion with other believers. No! All they see is them taking things from the office that are not theirs, or trying to cheat on their exams. All they see is them getting mad and upset, using words not expected from a Christian. No, they don’t take them seriously because of the off-color jokes they tell, the gossip they pass on, and their attitude toward others, that’s what they see, especially when it reveals biases based on race, color or dialect. Sorry, but what their friends or classmates hear is the music they constantly listen to, and see the magazines they read. So, should anyone still wonder why these friends don’t take them seriously as real Christians? – Dr. Robert R Seyda