Mahatma Gandhi said, “I like your Christ. I do not like your Christians.” Wow. That sentence saddens my heart to a great degree. Allow me to repeat - “I like your Christ. I do not like your Christians.” My opinion on his comment is that he is saying some Christians don’t reflect Christ in their daily lives; therefore, the example(s) of Christians he is familiar with is disappointing. I cannot disagree a whole lot. We’re all disappointed in specific things sooner or later: politics, the work place, persons of faith, relationships, celebrity figures and so forth. Think about it for a minute or two, and you’ll be able to recall your own list of disappointments centered around people – whether you personally know them or not.
Not to be overly simplistic, but if you will continue reading, I have an illustration. In the United States we have a Wal-Mart® in most cities. I wasn’t initially thrilled when Wal-Mart’s presence began putting the “little family store” out of trade, but over time I realized that many people’s needs are met through their local Wal-Mart store. It’s often a “one stop shop,” as we say. People love convenience! The super-store serves a purpose to many people. Pricing alone is one big consideration. Where else can you get an eye exam; buy tires for the car, diapers for the baby, milk, bread, and new pillow cases at the same time? A Friday night in a Wal-Mart can offer its own variety of entertainment if you enjoy ‘people watching.’ In today’s commerce the box stores – or super stores are American fixtures. It’s what we do.
However, no place is perfect! I’ve had an experience with a non-service oriented cashier - numerous times, in several different commercial stores. Haven’t you? A rude waitress? An inconsiderate hostess? An unfriendly telephone operator? A hostile cashier? Well, sure! We’ve ALL had those unfriendly, unprofessional encounters. These isolated experiences haven’t made me boycott ALL super-stores, box-stores, or commercial ware houses. I still need an eye exam, milk and pillowcases! It would be silly if I refused to go to another super-store wouldn’t it? Life Moment: A few people may NOT represent the entire mass.
Just last week, I was about six inches from two flight attendants openly bickering over the serving cart. One attendant was attempting to dominate the other; the entire situation grew to a very awkward and visibly unprofessional level. By no means was either attendant a superlative representative of their employer. However, I’ll still fly again, as situations deem it appropriate.
A few bad experiences haven’t overshadowed my overall mindset. It’s an example of how we must purpose in our hearts not to judge others too harshly –or prematurely! We must allow for mistakes – after all, we are just human, right?
The Christian should be generous in a few characteristic traits…I outline them below.
A) Smile. When you greet someone just smile. It soothes the soul, and it offers warmth.
B) Don’t complain or criticize too loudly. Be discreet when voicing a frustration. Please refrain from being the ‘doody-head’ as my six year old friend says, in the check-out line (or work place) who bellyaches about everything! Loudly! People may think you’re naturally obnoxious. Be careful not to be the “critic” in the room. That isn’t how the Christian wants to be perceived.
C) Be careful in our judgments! Judging is for God to do, not us. Taking a stand toward others (preferably as compassionately as possible) is fine, but first you must do as Jesus says, and "Take the plank out of your eye before you try to remove the speck from another's eye", otherwise you will only be perceived as a hypocrite.
D) Give God your ALL. Regardless. (This means give up your self-perceived right to hate, seek revenge, retaliate, and/or hold a grudge toward others. We cannot grow in light if we’re consumed by darkness. The Christian KNOWS that light and dark do not mix.
E) Last but not least, love others as you love yourself. (That’s hard! Especially if you may not like someone. C’mon. You don’t like everyone. EVERYONE?! It isn’t possible. Be honest with yourself. You thought of at least ONE person you don’t like, right?! That’s normal. But, its how we treat that person that counts.) Matthew 22:39 And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.
So, I respectfully ask what do Ghandi and Wal-Mart have in common? The need to forgive human error...and don't judge people by the masses.
Look UP my friends!
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