Santa Wouldn't Do That!

Santa Wouldn't Do That!	Next Chapter: Stirred or Shaken?
PLEASE DO NOT READ THIS CHAPTER ALOUD WHERE SMALL CHILDREN MAY HEAR IT. After reading this chapter, you may also enjoy reading "The Christian Clause" Since December, 2000 I've had a really fun, part-time job. However, it was very seasonal. Every December I played Santa Claus. I have a great costume and I bleach my beard and hair snow white (www.longmontsanta.com). I'm invited to visit office parties, home parties and other events, talking to over 500 children each year. Believe me, it is a great job and has been a real blessing to me. When I begin preparing myself to be Santa Claus I have to go through a mental shift because early in my Santa career I realized that when I was dressed as Santa there were certain things I must do and certain things I must never do. Why? Because I never know when a small child may be watching me. Heaven forbid that I should ever do anything as Santa Claus that is not appropriate. *Things, as Santa, I Must Always* Do. Smile Laugh a lot Be gentle and quiet with very small children Be prepared with extra candy canes Wave at small children I pass in the car Be prepared at any time to talk about reindeer, presents, Christmas Eve snacks and chimneys Things, as Santa, I Must Never Do.** Drive too fast Slide through stop signs Show a frown on my face Raise my voice Forget that I am Santa Claus I got to thinking. Shouldn't we, as Christians, always be aware that others may be watching to see how Christians act and behave? Just as I, dressed as Santa Claus, could by a wrong action terribly upset a small child, so we, as Christians, can turn others away from God by a small, unthinking action. One of my sons, hiking with a friend in Nepal, asked for shelter for the night at a small monastery up in the hills. They were not made to feel welcome at all. A businessman whom I know, attends Church regularly with his family and practices many habits of "good" Christians. However, his terrible attitude and treatment of other business people makes them wonder if Christians are really any different from others. Over the years my wife and I have visited several churches where there was no sense of hospitality or welcome. We walked in, took a bulletin, seated ourselves, shook hands with people around us when the Pastor said to do so, worshiped, prayed, sang hymns and walked out without anyone bothering to really greet or talk to us. Oh yes, they appeared friendly with those they knew. In fact, several times we saw a group of greeters and ushers talking and laughing in a group while ignoring everyone else who was coming to worship. How many times have you seen a Christian lose their temper, snub another person, walk out of a meeting in anger, say something mean-spirited. It happens but it shouldn't. Customer Service experts tell us that it takes at least seven to twelve good experiences to overcome just one bad experience. Further, people will often share that bad experience with others. Some time ago a local grocery store had all their employees wear a button that said, "We want to exceed your expectations." WOW! I love it when someone exceeds my expectations. What do you suppose would happen if we worked to exceed other people's expectations of Christians? In Matthew, Jesus tells us several times to always be prepared for His return. Every morning it is up to each one of us, as the Apostle Paul says, to "put on all of God's armor". Can you do it? Can I do it? NO! We cannot do it ourselves. The answer is, as Paul said, "Don't copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will know what God wants you to do, and you will know how good and pleasing and perfect his will really is." (Romans 12:2 NLT)
"So be prepared, because you don't know what day your Lord is coming." (Matthew 24:42 NLT) "So stay awake and be prepared, because you do not know the day or hour of my return." (Matthew 25:13 NLT) [11] Put on all of God's armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies and tricks of the Devil. [12] For we are not fighting against people made of flesh and blood, but against the evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against those mighty powers of darkness who rule this world, and against wicked spirits in the heavenly realms. Use every piece of God's armor to resist the enemy in the time of evil, so that after the battle you will still be standing firm. Stand your ground, putting on the sturdy belt of truth and the body armor of God's righteousness. For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News, so that you will be fully prepared. In every battle you will need faith as your shield to stop the fiery arrows aimed at you by Satan. Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. Pray at all times and on every occasion in the power of the Holy Spirit. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all Christians everywhere. (Ephesians 6:11-18 NLT)
O God, how can you ask such a thing. Can't I just be myself today? No, of course not. I've given myself to you. Gentle Father, today transform me into the person you want me to be so that others will see You through me. Amen.
Questions for consideration... When was the last time I didn't act as Jesus would want me to? When was the last time non-Christians saw me act that way? What was their reaction? Do you think they told someone else about my behavior? What can I do beginning right now today to exceed other people's expectations of me?