Jesus or John?

 

I passed a church the other day—you know, one of those with the reader board out front. They often post funny or inspirational sayings along with notice of events and times. I am often laughing as I pass them by on my way to work in the morning, but this message really struck a chord with me, so here are my thoughts on this pearl of wisdom:

“It is easy to act like a Christian, but harder to react like a Christian.”

Since my job literally demands that I act like a Christian you would think it would be easier for me than it often is. After all, practice should make perfect, right?   Ha Ha, I hear Him laughing right now. J Every morning before we open at Hope House, we offer prayers for kindness, compassion and patience. It’s the last word that gets me every time---patience. Oh Lord, please bless me with patience!

Without patience, my reactions to angry, demanding and stressed out clients can be very reactive and non-Christ like. My staff says I end up using my “Mom voice” to redirect clients into polite behavior. I say I just lose my cool and am too demanding of people who are already struggling with life on a moment-to-moment basis—much to my shame.

I also saw a t-shirt advertised online that said “I’m part Jesus and part John. Get closer so you can see which one I am today” I love it, but I tend towards John almost every day. I am brash, outspoken (often without thinking first!) and direct for the most part---but I do love all of the Body of Christ so much! I hope He understands that (I’m sure He does!)

Blessings, compassion and patience from Hope House.