The daily monitor leader. [volume] (Mount Clemens, Mich.) 1942-19??, 1944-10-20
Today's
Sermonehe
QUALIFYING A CHRISTIAN
By Lynn Baltzer Tschudy

BY Lynn Baltzer Tschudy
Before we read another sec
ton of Pauls letter to the Ro-
mans, let us think of the Chris
tian when we read the name
Jew, and think of the non
Christian, the non professing-
believer when we read the word
Gentle. Let us not think in
terms of church members and
non church members, because
there are hypocrites in both
groups. The Christian is not
qualified in any way whatever.
He is either Christian or he is
not, He cannot be Christian for
an hour on Sunday morning. or
for an hour on Christmas and
Easter, but must be ever as
piring to do the Christian thing
in every waking hour. The non
professing-believer is quite we'll
described in Romans 2:14, Is,
16.
Now, however, suppose we
find our Bibles, and look up the
Letter to the Romans, and read
in the second chapter, verses II
to "a. Read them in a modern
translation il you can get one.
Now, suppose you claim the
name of Christian do you
refuse TO teach yourself? That
is the substance of Pauls ques-
ton to the Romans. We might
we'll ask ourselves the question.
Parents, Sunday School Teach
ers, and Pastors alike, must con-
stantly aspire toward the goal
Of being a Christian, or there
is no Christianity in them.
Regardless of what we cry out
against, or whatever we forbid,
or loathe, or pride ourselves in,
IF we do the exact opposite our
selves, then the name of God
is blasphemed among the non
observation-disclosures because of
u.s., because we call ourselves
Christian! Paul r e m n d s his
readers that such words are not
necessarily his own, because
they can find somewhat the same
in the prophet Isaiah SIS. Isn't
il strange the way we find peo-
pie changing churches in the
middle of the stream" so to
speak, because they kept right
on doing the same evil things,
or kept right on swimming in
the same water. Of course some
do the same thing in other fields
of life, also. Perhaps it helps
turn over a new leaf, but usual
ly it matters little.
1t is a pity when Gods world
becomes too small for those who
cannot see God in their brother
man. Lies about other people
do damage to souls. When crit
icism of others rings true it
comes only from those who
price themselves in their con-
slant aspiring to become Chris
tan. Such people are Chris
tians. In short Paul pleads with
furious passion with the Chris
tians Of our day TO take notice
Of their customs and manners
which constantly declare dis
obedience to the principles of
Christe-like living. That is what
Paul says. We call ourselves
Christian, and are as the Jew
of his day. We must heed the
warning. Soon, time will tell
with little formality the Chris
tians who are earnest in aspir-
ing to be Christian, from the
folks who are insincere. Such
folks cry out against stealing, but
steal OF her mems character.
Such folks tell others what to
do, but refuse to understand
things completely rather than
60 off half-cocked. Such folks
forbid adultery, and yet are un-
able to prove anything except
their own evil lusts and secret
desires. Such folks loathe idols,
and yet they serve themselves
before they even think of God
&c. and Him only shalt thou
serve" Such folks pride them
selves in the principles Of Chris
tianity, but they violate those
very same principles without
qualms Of conscience, land so
dishonor God"
We can keep right on sight
ing case after case, and not
even become personal. Try 1t
on yourself, and it III turn you
TO God Almighty for He alone
knows your inner thoughts. He
alone is our Judge. II is He who
demands that we distinguish the
right from the wrong. II we are
sincere, we will accept all such
distinctions, and abide by them.
No one need know, except God
and you. But when God has
been taken in by you, then
everybody will know IT! Mean
while we need the expostula-