Amy Carmichael gathered together some challenging thoughts in a little book called 'if'. If I belittle those whom I am called to serve, talk of their weak points in contrast perhaps with what I think of as my strong points; if I adopt a superior attitude, forgetting "Who made thee to differ? And what hast thou that thou hast not received?" then I know nothing of Calvary love.
If I find myself taking lapses for granted, "Oh, that's what they always do," "Oh, of course she talks like that, he acts like that," then I know nothing of Calvary love.
If I find myself taking lapses for granted, "Oh, that's what they always do," "Oh, of course she talks like that, he acts like that," then I know nothing of Calvary love.That one hits close to home. Among unbelievers, particularly some of my coworkers whom I've gotten fairly used to, I'm sometimes in an awkward position when one of them blasphemes or says something vulgar or otherwise sins gratuitously. I can confront them, albeit in as prideless a way as possible, not necessarily kind, but not in such a way as to provoke them to think I'm claiming to be better, as that is not the issue, or I can ignore it (typically praying silently or in a nearly inaudible voice). In justifying the latter, I sometimes think along the lines of "They're unbelievers, that's what unbelievers do," not as a means of excusing the behavior, but as a reason for not taking them before the Judgment seat for every manifestation of their sin.How ought a Christian conduct themselves in such an environment?
if I can enjoy a joke at the expense of another; if I can in any way slight another in conversation, or even in thought, then I know nothing of Calvary love.
If I can write an unkind letter, speak an unkind word, think an unkind thought without grief and shame, then I know nothing of Calvary love.
If I do not feel far more for the grieved Saviour than for my worried self when troublesome things occur, then I know nothing of Calvary love.
Hi Keith,Thought you brought up an excellent question and started a post here: 'Christian' conduct
If I can rebuke without a pang, then I know nothing of Calvary love.
If my attitude be one of fear, not faith, about one who has disappointed me; if I say, "Just what I expected" if a fall occurs, then I know nothing of Calvary love.
If I am afraid to speak the truth, lest I lose affection, or lest the one concerned should say, "You do not understand," or because I fear to lose my reputation for kindness; if I put my own good name before the other's highest good, then I know nothing of Calvary love.
If I am content to heal a hurt slightly, saying "Peace, peace," where there is no peace; if I forget the poignant word "Let love be without dissimulation" and blunt the edge of truth, speaking not right things but smooth things, then I know nothing of Calvary love.
If I hold on to choices of any kind, just because they are my choice, then I know nothing of Calvary love.
Yes, I have this little book at home. Such short lines, but cuts right to the heart.Do any of you have her poems? I read a few of them a long time ago. I would love to get ahold of them again.
If I have not compassion on my fellow-servant even as my Lord had pity on me, then I know nothing of Calvary love.
If I can easily discuss the shortcomings and the sins of any; if I can speak in a casual way even of a child's misdoings, then I know nothing of Calvary love
If I know little of His pitifulness (The Lord turned and looked upon Peter), if I know little of His courage and hopefulpness for the truly humble and penitent (He saith unto him, Feed my lambs), then I know nothing of Calvary love.
If... I cannot bear to be like the father who did not soften the rigours of the far country; if in this sense, I refuse to allow the law of God (the way of transgressors is hard) to take effect, because of the distress it causes me to see that law in operation, ...then I know nothing of Calvary love
Do any of you have her poems? I read a few of them a long time ago. I would love to get ahold of them again.Yes there are a few books of her poems and I think if you search online you could dig up some.. I will take a look also. Her peoms definetly speak from an intimate relationship with the Lord.
If...I deal with wrong for any other reason than that implied in the words, From his right hand went forth a fiery law for them. Yes, He loved the people; if I can rebuke without a pang, then ...I know nothing of Calvary love
If...in dealing with one who does not respond, I weary of the strain, and slip from under the burden,...then I know nothing of Calvary love.
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