Bumper Sticker Mentality?

I like bumper stickers. Not necessarily on my own car, but I like to read them and laugh at the funny ones. I saw one that said, “4 out of 3 people have trouble with fractions.” It made me chuckle. One that made me laugh out loud said, “Don’t Tailgate Me! (I’ll flick a booger on your windshield.)” AND, because I’m not really afraid to go there, the one that wins the award for the longest laughing fit goes to…: “Sorry officer, I’m only speeding because I have to poop!” (I know, it’s childish, but you laughed too, didn’t you?)Some work too hard for irony: “I hate bumper stickers!” Others try to be inspirational: “Relax! God is in Control.” Some are political: “Don’t Steal! The government hates competition.” Some like to mix philosophy with humor: “What if the Hokey Pokey IS what it’s all about?” Still some others promote their favorite causes, such as “Opposed to logging? Use plastic toilet paper!” Finally, there are just some that defy a single classification: “I used up all my sick days, so I called in DEAD!”

Okay, that’s enough of that. I saw a couple of bumper stickers this week that were just mean-spirited, and I’m sure someone thought they were funny. However, I personally would never keep a bumper sticker on my car that publicly put down my wife--even as a joke. I certainly would not want her to have one calling me names that implied that my I.Q. and grasp of reality were both low and embarrassing to her. If we’re talking heated divorce situation, I could at least understand, but still wouldn’t condone such a thing.

I’m not one who thinks I must make other people believe just like me, and I certainly can’t account for the tastes and preferences of others, especially since I laughed at the poop sticker listed above. However, it seems to me that in today’s world, the idea is to be as negative and offensive as possible. Not just with bumper stickers, but in general. Whether it’s sports interviews, FaceBook Posts, Political Campaigns, YouTube rants, or any place where an opinion can be made public, it seems that as long as someone laughs or gets a kick out of what you say, go ahead and say just about anything you want.

In our Bible Study last month, the students and I took a look at a series called, “Speaking Without Talking: What your lifestyle is saying about you.” Bumper stickers, FaceBook, and other outlets reveal many things about those sharing their opinions. There are many times when good impressions are sent. But, there are many times when not. The messages we send in every aspect of our lives are being witnessed somehow. You may not notice the person across the gas station witnessing you drop your trash on the ground instead of taking eight steps towards the trash can. But when you drive away with your Christian Bumper sticker proudly displayed, you might help that person decide they want nothing to do with Jesus.

It doesn’t do much good to post inspirational pictures or even scriptures on FaceBook if you regularly use profanity in your other posts, or post pictures that show you participating in activities that are less-than-honoring to God. Even the little things you add your name to by simply clicking the “Like” button can get the attention of someone just itching for a reason to cry “Hypocrite” and turn away from church.

The little things we do matter. I’ve had to learn this lesson the hard way before, and I pray I never make the same mistakes again. Scripture tells us we are to let our light shine. (Matthew 5:16) I LOVE that verse and the idea there. We need to be careful, however, because when we know we’re in the “limelight” or under scrutiny, we watch what we say and do. BUT, when we think no one is around, and we say or do whatever we choose, regardless of how appropriate it is, we forget what Ephesians 4:29 says about saying (and I believe it also covers our actions) those things that are only encouraging, and beneficial--even for those that may overhear it. In other words, those people watching from a distance to see if you are a “real” Christian, or just someone who knows how to play the game.

The best way to avoid this is to get your heart in the right place, and to free up your mind from the junk of the world. Paul says to “Transform our minds” away from the ideas of the world, and to only think on what is “...noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable--if anything is excellent or praiseworthy--think about such things.” (Philippians 4:8)

If you transform your mind, and fill it with the things of God and the types of things in Paul’s outline, then they will help to flush away the worldly things that bring you and others down. Eventually these good things will get into your heart, and will then come out in your lifestyle. Yeah--Jesus says it in Matthew 15. It’s there.

Bumper stickers are not evil. That is certainly not where I’m going with this. BUT, they can reveal a deeper issue within individuals, and can reveal a need to get our hearts and minds back in line with what God calls us to be to this world.