What Makes a excellent Christian?
The idea of being a Christian in the contemporary world has many connotations: first there is the Christian prude, the person who is seen as turning his nose up at any conception of fun or pleasure. Then there is the Christian bore, the persistent Bible basher who takes every opening to quote verses from the psalms. Thirdly we have the fiery Pentecostalist, who has been miraculously healed and can express nothing but ecstatic satisfaction at every God driven event that occurs, which of procedure is all things in the procedure of a day. Fourthly, there is the wise priest or minister, who has seen it all and studied it all, and maintains his faith with a sort of wiry reserve, wary of the Pentecostalist, scornful of the Methodist, doubtful even of the veracity of Genesis, but loyal to his job and attentive to his flock, believing that the teachings of Jesus are best expressed over a cup of tea and a biscuit in the homes of the elderly and infirm.
These people are all Christians, and valid examples of manifestations in the world of Gospel instruction. There are others still too numerous to mention: the fundamentalist who adheres to every particular word of the Old and New Testaments, the anti-abortionist, the homophobe, the Muslim-intolerant, etc, etc. No wonder it is viewed as best not to talk about it. The very mention of the term Christian in general community is adequate these days to get eyebrows lifted. The Christian knows better than everyone else, has a purer soul, and is bound to offend somebody sooner or later; this is the favorite view.
Wilderness
Then there is that other type of Christian. He came into the world with very little, adopted a humble trade. As he grew up he listened to the teachings of the old priests, read the scriptures and learnt all things there was to know about his community and culture. Whenever he was called upon in need he gave help and support, lent an ear to the complaints of his friends and as the spirit called him even managed to heal a few from severe ailments. He gathered a band of working men nearby him, harnessed their talents, developed their faith, gave their lives meaning. He never blamed or criticized, but calmly directed those lost in the wilderness with a few kind words. He stood up against injustice and never once faltered when his faith was challenged. To the end his life was a shining example to everyone nearby him and would continue to be so for thousands of years.
He looked nearby at his fellow man and the best guidance he could give them was: be like me.
Whatever Christian label you wish to adopt, at the end of the day our call is the same, Forgiving, loving, ever-hopeful, are the qualities required of the exquisite Christian. And a prayer each day which begins Our Father.
What Makes a excellent Christian?
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