What is a REAL Christian? ~ Tom Milam

January 22, 2011 ~ Dr. Tom Milam

And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing.   1 Corinthians 13:3  

For we dare not make ourselves of the number, or compare ourselves with some that commend themselves: but they measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise.  2 Corinthians 10:12  

We will never understand or know true joy, until we are willing to be placed where God wants us, or places someone near us at a particular time in our lives, not only to fulfill God’s longings for us but for others also.  Never forget; “we are created for God’s pleasure,”  Rev. 4:11.

To do service for God takes more being in place for God that doing lots of things for God.  We will automatically show what we say we are.  Others’ circumstances and conditions may be quite different than what we think they should be; our part is to project a Christian life and attitude toward them.

We should remind ourselves of these few things: Why am I here? Who will God put in my path? Whose space will I be allowed to enter? I should watch how I act and what I say, because I may be in the presence of angels.  Hebrews 13:2 Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.

We received the following poem in an email of which we have since learned is all over the internet.  Written by a Lutheran Pastor in Dublin Ireland, we would bode well to examine our own selves as to how we meet, greet, and treat others.  (A little lengthy, but, please read it all.)

Shoes in Church



Shoes in Church!



By Doug Warburton
I showered and shaved.............. I adjusted my tie.

 I got there and sat.............. In a pew just in time.

 Bowing my head in prayer......... As I closed my eyes.

 I saw the shoe of the man next to me..... Touching my own.  I sighed.

 With plenty of room on either side...... I thought, 'Why must our soles
 touch?'

 It bothered me, his shoe touching mine... But it didn't bother him much.

 A prayer began: 'Our Father'.............. I thought, 'This man with the
 shoes has no pride.

 They're dusty, worn, and scratched. Even worse, there are holes on the
 side!'

 'Thank You for blessings,' the prayer went on.

The shoe man said............... A quiet 'Amen.'

I tried to focus on the prayer....... But my thoughts were on his shoes again.

Aren't we supposed to look our best,  when walking through that door?

'Well, this certainly isn't it,' I thought,  glancing toward the floor..

 Then the prayer was ended............ And the songs of praise began.

 The shoe man was certainly loud..... Sounding proud as he sang.

 His voice lifted the rafters........ His hands were raised high.

The Lord could surely hear. The shoe man's voice from the sky.

It was time for the offering....... And what I threw in was steep.

 I watched as the shoe man reached.... Into his pockets so deep.

I saw what was pulled out............ What the shoe man put in.

 Then I heard a soft 'clink',  As when silver hits tin.

 The sermon really bored me to tears ... and that's no lie.

It was the same for the shoe man.... For tears fell from his eyes.

 At the end of the service...... As is the custom here.

 We must greet new visitors, And show them all good cheer.

 But I felt moved somehow............... And wanted to meet the shoe man.

So after the closing prayer........ I reached over and shook his hand.

 He was old and his skin was dark.... And his hair was truly a mess.

But I thanked him for coming......... For being our guest.

He said, 'My names' Charlie............ I'm glad to meet you, my friend.'

 There were tears in his eyes........ But he had a large, wide grin.

 'Let me explain,' he said.......... Wiping tears from his eyes.

 'I've been coming here for months.... And you're the first to say 'Hi.''

 'I know that my appearance............'Is not like all the rest.

 'But I really do try.................'To always look my best.'

 'I always clean and polish my shoes..'Before my very long walk.

'But by the time I get here..........'They're dirty and dusty, like  chalk.'

My heart filled with pain.......... And I swallowed to hide my tears.

As he continued to apologize........... For daring to sit so near,

 He said, 'When I get here..............'I know I must look a sight.

 'But I thought if I could touch you..'Then maybe our souls might unite.'

 I was silent for a moment........... Knowing whatever was said

 Would pale in comparison... I spoke from my heart, not my head.

 'Oh, you've touched me,' I said......'And taught me, in part;

 'That the best of any man...............'Is what is found in his heart.'

 The rest, I thought,..................... This shoe man will never know.

 Like just how thankful I really am... That his dirty old shoe touched my
 soul