Thought for the Month August 2026

I have heard from two people recently that they are Christians, and that they behave accordingly. This made me think about how a Christian should behave. Firstly by looking at Jesus’s life and how he behaved, and then at how modern day society influences our behaviour.

Jesus

Shortly after Jesus had chosen his first apostles he went to a family wedding in Cana with his mother and his apostles. They ran out of wine and his mother wanted him to supply more with his divine powers. Jesus first reaction was not to do it, but he noticed six huge pots of stone that were empty. He had them filled with water which he then changed into vintage wine. This was the first of Jesus’s many miracles which included healing the sick and exorcising the people possessed by evil spirits.

Jesus did not want to show off his divine powers. He was compassionate and felt for people who were sick, infirm and stricken. He was a humble person who preferred to cure people in private, or away from crowds. When Jesus cured people he did not want them to tell others, but they inevitably always did.

One of the miracles that was not so private was when Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead (John 11:38-43). This was witnessed by many pious Jews. Some of them were converted on the spot and others went to complain to the Pharisees and to the Temple authorities that some kind of devilry was taking place. The chief priests called a council meeting. Jesus became a threat to them and this is when they started plotting to kill him. It was interesting to read that it was the pious and orthodox Jews that he was a threat to.

Jesus responded to a situation rather than using his divine powers to impress. He did not place much importance on working miracles. Jesus repeatedly rejected the mere role of miracle worker. According to Jesus it was preferable in God’s eyes that people showed faith by listening to the holy truth and by accepting it and following it. Christianity was the moral architecture of reason.

Current day

Modern day life is very different to when Jesus lived, especially when you think about modern technology. We can get from point A to point B quicker without having to spend day(s) walking long distances. We have access to cars, buses, trams, trains and planes.

Trying to make a conscious decision to think of others first before ourselves, as Jesus did, is not always easy when modern day life takes over with tight deadlines and endless distractions, like the times when we get into our cars, with so many errands to do in a such a short space of time!

So how should a Christian person behave in order to set a ‘good example’ in all situations? Hard as it is, we have to try and make conscious decisions to think of others before ourselves, responding to situations and people needs as Jesus did.

Sara

Jesus’ Hands

Jesus’ hands were kind hands,

Doing good to all;

Healing pain and sickness,

Blessing children small;

Washing tired feet

And saving those who fall;

Jesus’ hands were kind hands,

Doing good to all.

Take my hands Lord Jesus,

Let them work for you,

Make them strong and gentle,

Kind in all I do;

Let me watch you Jesus,

Till I’m gentle too,

Till my hand are kind hands,

Quick to work for you.Margaret Cropper (1886-1980