Pioneer Christian Monthly - January, 1985

Do Unto Others
Al Nyp

Being the editor of a Youth Page of a major publication such as Pioneer is indeed an ominous responsibility, demanding the utmost care and careful choice of words. It means sacrificing endless hours to read through all the letters one receives from the readers (I've read those 5 letters countless times). Knowing that every word one writes is being read and analysed by literally thousands of loyal fans (well ... at least 5) who are immensely more educated and knowledgeable than one's self, makes the task of being creative that much more difficult

Many years ago, like most Reformed churchgoers, I belonged to a very unspecial and unexclusive club which met once a week, regularly. This club, which is still in existence today, had only one purpose, that being the discussion and dissection of the Sunday morning sermon (and preacher) for the purpose of improving the obvious lack of skill of the preacher. A noble purpose indeed! And I'm proud to say that my criticisms of the man's efforts that particular day were always to the point, intelligent and always pointed out very effectively all of the preacher's shortcomings.

There was - and is - however, one very basic thing wrong with this growing club. it seems no one ever filed a report with the preacher as to our analytic views of his performance, we only passed them on among club members, which he, of course, was not.

Consequently, the poor man was never able to benefit from our collective wisdom, which was okay, because as long as he did not meet our standards, our club meetings were never short on agenda.

Besides, if he ever did improve, how could we ever justify our dozing off, or inattentiveness during the service?

I no longer belong to this club. Unfortunately I had my membership cancelled. You see, I finally had to walk a mile in my preacher's shoes. I actually became a preacher - on a part time, occasional basis - and therefore I could no longer be objective about a "colleague" (see what I mean about careful choice of words).

However, I'm sorry to say that the tradition of Sunday "preacher-roasting" is alive and well.

Still today, our ministers and church leaders aye constantly being told they are not doing well enough - not in words, but in silence.

We still find it much easier to criticize than to praise.

As a coach for many years in a minor sports system and as a supervisor in a work environment, I have learned a very valuable lesson of those years - a lesson I should have learned earlier.

I have found that the best way to improve someone's skills or behaviour is to say "Thank you" or begin with "I appreciate". This works a hundred times better than immediate criticism, and it is very sad that we in the Christian fellowship of believers have not discovered this phenomenal principle. We, of all people, should be the ones practising this philosophy most. After all we have the perfect example to follow - the Lord Jesus Christ Himself.

When you read carefully the various letters written by the apostle Paul to the churches you will find an astounding pattern - one we would do well to follow.

Paul starts each letter with a strong positive statement before he points out any areas for improvement. Let's look at some examples.

Romans l:8 "Let me say firs to all that wherever I go I hear you being talked about! For your faith in God is becoming known around the world. How I thank God through Jesus Christ for this good report and for each one of you."

I Corinthians 1:4, 5.- "I can never stop thanking God for all the wonderful gifts He has given you, now that you are Christ's. He has enriched your whole life. He has helped you speak out for Him and has given you a full understanding of the truth."

Ephesians l:1- "Dear Christian friends at Ephesus, ever loyal to the Lord . . . "

I Thessalonians I.-2, 3.- "We always thank God for you and pray for you constantly. We never forget your loving deeds ... and your strong faith and steady looking forward to the return of the Lord Jesus Christ."

Almost without exception (Galatians being the one) Paul uses this method in writing,

First say something uplifting and encouraging, then come with the "but", and it worked!

We as Christians, like Paul, need to strive more and more to be Christ-like. We need to begin treating one another (leaders included) as Christ treats us. We need to learn to use the words "thank you", "I appreciate", "I'm glad I know you" and "well done" more often to one another.

Why? Because that's what being "Christ-like" is all about.

Remember what Jesus taught us, "Do unto others as you would have them do unto YOU."

Follow this teaching and your life as a Christian will become even more meaningful and your friendships will flourish even greater than ever before. God guarantees it! Al

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