Christian Living

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CHRISTIAN AND/OR NICE


“Teacher,” a scribe inquired of Jesus, “what must I do to inherit eternal life?” (Luke 10:25). He may have been troubled in this regard, or simply wanted to see if Jesus would answer in orthodox fashion.
“What is written in the Law?” Jesus replied. It was common practice to answer a question with another question, or simply asking the inquirer for his or her opinion.
“‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind,’” he replied; and ‘Love your neighbor as yourself’” (cf. Deut. 6:5 and Lev. 19:18). The latter was in the context of an admonition not to seek revenge or hold a grudge.
“You have answered correctly,” Jesus commended him. “Do this and you will live.” Not that this is readily accomplished.
But he wanting to justify himself, inquired: “And who is my neighbor?” Perhaps he had in mind those who were religiously observant. Likely not those with whom Jesus was known to associate.
In reply, Jesus told a story concerning a man who was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, when encountered by thieves who stripped him of his clothes and went away—leaving him in critical condition. “A priest happened to be going down the same road, and when he saw the man, he passed by on the other side.” We are not told his reasoning. Perhaps he feared that the perpetrators might still be nearby, and might attack him as well.
“So too, a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side.” He may have reasoned in similar fashion, or been otherwise motivated. In any case, neither came to the victim’s assistance.
“But a Samaritan, as he traveled, came where the man was, and when he saw him, he took pity on him.” He went to the man, bandaged his wounds, put him on his donkey, and brought him to an inn. The next day, he took two silver coins and gave them to the inn-keeper. “Look after him,” he said, “and when I return, I will reimburse you for any extra expense you may have.” Even though Samaritans were demeaned among the Jews.
“Which of these three do you think was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of robbers?” Jesus inquired. So that we would gather that one’s neighbor is not one who commends himself to us, but one we may befriend as a neighbor.
At which the scribe replied, “ The one who had mercy on him.” It was assuredly not a difficult conclusion to reach.
“Go and do likewise,” Jesus then admonished him. Consequently, applying the precedent to different situations.
Which, in turn, brings to mind C. S. Lewis’ appeal: “Pray that nice people become Christians, and Christians become nice.” Or in terms of Jesus’ account, pray that the Samaritans become devout, and the Jews become considerate.
Consider a genuinely nice person. He was conscientious in the work assigned him, even under adverse circumstances. He seemed disposed to think of others, instead of himself. He expressed appreciation when he thought it was warranted. He accented the positive features of his relationships. In brief, he was a friend.
Consider a not so nice disciple of Christ. He was argumentative. It seemed to please him to demean others, as a way of showing his felt superiority. Nor would he weigh carefully what the other person had to say. As a result, persons were not inclined to associate with him.
With the above in mind, we turn our attention to representative sage advice. For instance, “A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger” (Prov. 15:1). Be considerate of the feelings of others. Accordingly, be civil in one’s discourse.
“The tongue that brings healing is a tree of life, but a deceitful tongue crushes the spirit” (Prov. 15:4). Be constructive, even when pointing out some pitfall to avoid. Do not return evil but good for evil.
“The lips of the wise spread knowledge, not so the hearts of fools” (Prov. 15:7). Speak the truth. Live accordingly, and thus encourage others by both word and deed.
“A happy heart makes the face cheerful, but heartache crushes the spirit” (Prov. 15:13). “Rejoice in the Lord and be glad, you righteous; sing, all you who are upright in heart!” (Psa. 32:11). Let your joy be evident.
“A hot-tempered man stirs up dissension, but a patient man calms a quarrel” (Prov. 15:18). “In your anger do not sin. Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, and do not give the devil a foothold” (Eph. 4:26-27).
“Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed” (Prov. 15:22). Learn from others, and put into practice what one has learned. Learn from any and all who give constructive advice.
“A man finds joy in giving an apt reply—and how good is a timely word!” (Prov. 15:23). There is a time to speak and a time to refrain. Moreover, one must listen attentively if he or she is to give an appropriate response.
“A cheerful look brings joy to the heart, and good news gives health to the bones” (Prov. 15:30). A smile is more appreciated than a frown. God sets the precedent in this regard, as C. S. Lewis graphically sets forth, by being more prone to use carrots than clubs.
“The fear of the Lord teaches a man wisdom, and humility comes before honor” (Prov. 15:33). Herein lies the essence of wisdom, which pertains to fostering skill in living. Thus serving as an incentive to pray that nice people become Christians, and Christians become nice.

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