What Does a Christian Look Like?

We've all received one - that dumb e-mail that asks (or demands) that you forward it to10 lucky people who must do as you say or your (and their) computer will blow up and and all of you will have bad luck for 7 years. That's why when you do get a super-cool e-mail from someone like our good friend  Lars Justinen, that  shines an inner-galactic spotlight on God's principles you cannot help but share it with the world! If you ever wanted to know what a real Christian looks like, well, Thalmedius describes such a person in his own words:

Thalmedius Ontonamese, a contemporary of Pliny the Elder, was a first century historian who lived in an area just South of Rome during the rule of Julius Caesar Augustus Germanicus and Tiberius Claudius Caesar relates this fascinating insight into the minds of Christians of this era:

“At the time of Liviana [pagan games that were held in late summer each year in Rome] a great attraction was had during a series of strength tests that young men performed before the thousands assembled from many corners of the empire. Although the material rewards be meager, being crowned champion is of such import and reputation that the efforts of men be greater than life itself. One such lad was Enephius. Though younger than most who entered the contests it was determined by the Conscribua [judges] that, after 3 days of great tests, that he was the strongest and therefore to be given official recognition as Roman champion. It was required that he accept his reward from the head magistrate of Rome the following day and many in the city gathered to see the young man receive his honors. Being of Gallic ancestry, Enephius proclaimed his thanks to his god Lugus and declared that no other gods, including the gods of Rome, Greece or the god of the Christian sect, Jesus, had any part in the power he had displayed.

Before finishing his speech a group of men who I believed to be professed Christians began to shout at Enephius. ‘You ignorant fool! If it were not for Jesus you could not take a single breath. You would not have even been born if Christ had not provided Himself a sacrifice when man sinned. How can you insult us Christians this way!?!’

Many in the crowd were troubled by this outburst and very likely thought less of their god for their arrogant outburst. I myself was just a few feet away from them. Presently I witnessed an elderly white haired man gently lay his head on the most animated of the Christian men and said something which I believe to be an earnest message of kindness to him:

‘Son, Jesus told us that His kingdom is not of this world. He sends us as sheep among wolves. We need not be offended. Do not let your focus be on this world, let us have the mind of Christ. He loves Enephius and all the Heathens here. We need not self-righteously point out Enephius’ error, but humbly ask ourselves – have we given God the all the glory in our life? Our thoughts, our words, our deeds? Have we insulted the Lamb of God by professing to give all to Him while refusing to lay aside our own selfish ambitions and pride? Enephius does not claim to the a follower of our Lord. He does not know the peace, joy, and love that Jesus gives us for others. In that boundless love there is no room for us to be insulted.’

While I am not acquainted with this Christian sect, the words of the old man gave me pause and a desire to know more of who this old man’s god is.”