As we get older we tend to mellow. There are many things that I used to get so uptight about that just don’t matter that much any more. But there is one area where I am not more mellow. In fact, the truth is I am less mellow and tolerant about this than I used to be. There is a kind of Christian that I just don’t understand and don’t want to be around.
To be honest, I can’t stand being around “mean-spirited” Christ followers. They usually major on minors and they are the self-appointed protectors of truth. They suck the joy out of every room they walk into. A cranky and crotchety Christian is a contradiction. It seems that the longer we walk with Jesus, the more kind and gracious and unselfish and loving we should become.
In fact, Jesus said in John 13:35 that there was one criteria by which he gave the world the right to judge the authenticity of our faith… “by this will all men know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” One of the signs of a healthy soul is a loving spirit.
Take a moment and reflect. Over the last 30 days, how loving have you been? What if we asked the pe ople who know you best… what would they say? Over these next couple of days I am going to work at being loving to everybody I encounter. That means slowing down… listening… being present… praying…caring… and responding. Remember… you can’t be cranky and Christlike at the same time.