Thanks Surf. I have had many fine Christian people, both men and women, show me how to live the Christian life. They had the same life problems, disappointments, battles, etc. as the rest of us. Yet, through it all, these folks maintained such a strong Christian character that I, and many others, looked up to them as examples of how to handle life’s ups and downs. They were the type people that I thought, “I would like to be like them”. When controversies arose, as they will among humans, these folks were the ones who could “calm the storm”, and who everyone listened to with great respect. When they spoke, they said things that brought healing.
I do not mean that Christians should always be a “doormat”. There are times, as Mac’s post illustrated, when Jesus did, and we must, do violence to put a stop to evil. But, our normal demeanor should display the character traits in Galatians 5:22-26.
I, personally, don’t always behave as I should. But, it is my goal to be the type Christian that shows these traits. I think that the cause of Christ is served better by being the type Christian who other people enjoy being around, than to be unbearable and “Holier than Thou”. I don’t have to “preach” to folks every minute while we are on a fishing trip, for example. But, if I conduct myself properly, my life will “preach” its own sermon. That is a goal, not always a reality for me.
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1980 Skandia 21 w/ '93 JohnRude 150 gas drinker