Lovable Christians

Aul paints the portrait of the true Christian in the eighth verse of the closing chapter of his letter to the Philippians. Here it is. The portrait is one that he might have written his own name under when it was done:

“Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.”

In the former part of the verse, Paul paints the strong features of the Christian — his truthfulness, his honesty, and his uncompromising sense of right. These are such deep lines as Michael Angelo painted in his figure of Moses and of the stem heroes of the prophetic era.

But, just as a great artist, having delineated the piercing eye, the majestic brow, and the leonine mouth of his hero, throws in the soft touches that give a womanly sweetness to the visage, so Paul completes his portrait by presenting loveliness and admirableness as the crowning attractions of the Christian character. “Whatsoever things are lovely “he says,” and whatsoever things are of good repoit,” TVvi’& Xv& ^-^ place in the New Testament is which this word “lovely “is to be found. It literally signifies what is dear to y one. It is that quality in the Christian character that engages the affections of all who come into its presence. The phrase” things of good report” also occurs in this passage alone. It means that which excites admiration and wins approbation. The two expressions together, signify, in plain English, “be lovable; let your life win the hearts of all around you.”

It was well that the apostle put in this finishing stroke. It was well to remind the most conscientious Christian that he should strive to render his religion attractive to others. For not every good man’s piety is lovable. Some men’s religion has too much acidity to taste well. Others sour their religion with an intense censoriousness. Their conversation is enough to set every one’s teeth on edge. After an hour’s talk with them, you think the worst of even the best men you know. They are crabbed Christians. Everybody respects them, but nobody loves them. We once had a venerable and most godly-minded oflScer in our church, who never did a wrong act, to my knowledge; and yet he never did a pleasant one either. There was a deal of good solid “meat” in him, but no one liked to prick his fingers in coming at it So the rugge(f old man was left to go on his way to heaven, woiking and praying and scolding as he went; but even the children in the street were almost afraid to speak to him. A drop ot two oftivt A-postlefohn in his composition would have made him a glorious specimen of a Christian. He has become mellower by this time, in the sunny atmosphere of heaven.

There is, also, a sanctimonious set face, which some people wear, that is anything but attractive. We once dealt with such a man in business; and we always counted carefully the change he gave back alter a purchase. We did it instinctively; for we had an uncomfortable suspicion that his manner of look and speech was a mask to hide from the world a designing nature. Perhaps we did him injustice; but the fault was his own in wearing so repulsive a sanctimoniousness.

A lovable Christian is one who hits the golden mean between easy, good-natured laxity of conscience on the one hand, and stem, ungenial moroseness on the other. He is sound, and yet ripe, sweet and mellow. He never incurs contempt by yielding to men’s sinful prejudices, nor does he incur the antipathy of others by doing right in a hateful, surly, or bigoted way.

Did our blessed Saviour ever fall into either of these extremes for a moment? Was not His the sinless, incorruptible majesty that awed His followers, while His gentle benignity inspired their enthusiastic love? If Jesus were now on earth, we can imagine that the poorest people would not be afraid to approach Him. Were He to enter a modern mission-school, as He once entered a synagogue, how the ragged youngsttrs would draw to Hlm I IC Ha n%&^ our houses, how welcome He would make Himself at our firesides, and how our children would love to climb on His lap and kiss that sweet, pensive, benignant face! There is nothing derogatory to His Divine dignity in this. Christ Jesus drew to Him poor, suffering women, and outcast publicans, and sinners that had a sore heartache, and troops of little children who rejoiced to receive His benediction or to sing hosannas in His praise.

Now, what Christ was every Christian should strive to be. He is our model, not only in spotless holiness, but in winsomeness of character also. Let us leatn of Him. Let us learn from Him how to combine the most rigid sense of justice, purity and integrity with the lovable attractions of a sunny face, a kind word, an unselfish courtesy, and a genuine sympathy for even the most hardened sinners. The worst men may scoff at Bible-religion, but at heart honour the consistent Christian who wears the beauty of holiness in his character and conduct. A livings lovable Christian is the most powerful argument for the Gospel. No infidel ever yet refuted that.

Study Christ, then. Love Christ; get your heart saturated with Him. Follow Christ. His example and His grace can turn deformity and sullenness and sin into the sweet comeliness of “whatsoever things are lovely, and whatsoever things are of good report” He that winneth souls is wise. But if you would win sinners to the Saviour, you must make your religion winsome.