Discreet Christian

And when thou prayest, thou shalt not be as hypocrites are: for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen of men.  Verily I say unto you, They have their reward.  But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret: and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly.  Matthew, Chapter 6, verses 5-6.

God wants me to be discreet when I pray, as well.  I shouldn’t do it in a way that attracts other people’s attention, especially when to do so might put me in the position to gain the respect or admiration of others.  My prayers aren’t for personal gain but are my personal communication with God. Being a Discreet Christian isn't always as easy as it seems. This means I have to be intentional about doing things in ways that don't directly identify what I've done on God's behalf. Since I've started trying to do this, it's much more spiritually rewarding than all the attention I used to get, because it makes me much more focused on God's will in my life.

Since this is an example of the positive influence God has made on my walk with Christ, this may not reflect the whole meaning of the Bible verses.

Turn the Other Cheek Christian

Ye have heard that it hath been said, An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth: But I say unto you, That ye resist not evil: but whosoever shall smite thee on thy right cheek turn to him the other side also.  Matthew, Chapter 5, verses 38-39.

When frustrated with someone who has been rude or insensitive to me, it’s really easy for me to say something back, displaying less than Christian behavior.  I may not say something rude, but if I pull an attitude, harboring hatred or resentment toward that person, I haven’t genuinely turned the other cheek.  It’s important for me to remember to turn my feelings over to God when these occasions arise. I want to be more of a Turn the Other Cheek Christian and pray that Christ continues to guide me in this.

Since this is an example of the positive influence God has made on my walk with Christ, this may not reflect the whole meaning of the Bible verses.

Clean House Christian

Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not commit adultery: But I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart.  Matthew, Chapter 5, verses 27-28.

This makes me think of when I am attracted to particular male movie stars and have thought inappropriate things that only God knows about.  He also knows all the times that I think mean, hateful things about other people.  Of course, no one else knows these things except for God and me, but I just stuff them under my spiritual rug like someone who can’t find a dustpan.  God sees what I think and what’s under my rug, so I need to start “cleaning house” soon if I want to be a Clean House Christian!

Since this is an example of the positive influence God has made on my walk with Christ, this may not reflect the whole meaning of the Bible verses.

Hiding Under a Bushel Christian

Ye are the light of the world.  A city that is set on a hill cannot be hid.  Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick: and it giveth light unto all that are in the house.  Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.  Matthew, Chapter 5, verses 14-16.

I’ve kept my relationship with God hidden under a bushel for most of my life.  I’m not much for walking door to door to talk to strangers about God.  I haven’t done much to try to actively convert people.  I guess writing this book isn’t any big-time “shining” when you think about it.  I’m sharing this information in a low risk fashion.  I need to make more of an attempt to take the risks that God needs me to on His behalf.  I guess I have to start somewhere and this is it.  I will see where God leads me from here in my journey to stop being a Hiding Under a Bushel Christian.

Since this is an example of the positive influence God has made on my walk with Christ, this may not reflect the whole meaning of the Bible verses.

Pep Talk Christians

And He opened His Mouth, and taught them, saying, Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.  Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted.  Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth.  Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled.  Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy.  Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God.  Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.  Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness’ sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.  Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for My sake.  Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.  Matthew, Chapter 5, verses 2-12.

I picture this as a pep talk with Jesus as the coach of a team of Christians.  He might say something like, “Of course there are teams that get ahead because they do unethical things, and the ones focused on playing a good honest game on earth don’t get ahead.  I know the team takes a hit for playing the game ethically and sometimes gets laughed at.  I know you definitely don’t rake in the big bucks and status the way other players do.  I promise that you will have your compensation in heaven for all your hard work and sacrifice on My behalf.  Your efforts never go unnoticed and will be repaid.  Keep up the good work and don’t let the world get you down!” I think Jesus would want us to all be Pep Talk Christians supporting new and struggling Christians, and those who have been Christians for years.

Here is a related passage:
*And every one that hath forsaken houses, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for My Name’s sake, shall receive an hundredfold, and shall inherit everlasting life.  Matthew, Chapter 19, verse 29.

Since this is an example of the positive influence God has made on my walk with Christ, this may not reflect the whole meaning of the Bible verses.
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