Minute Message   : Strangers

Publication Date : 7/13/96



	My wife and I took advantage of a couple free days and

traveled to Canada. We had not been there long till she said

"Have you see so many foreigners." My response was "Seeing as how

we are the foreigners in another country, no."



	You could not tell we had left the United States. Canadians

did not look any different than we did. We dressed like they did,

ate the same foods and spoke the same language (without the

accent, of course). It was hard to tell that we were in a

different culture entirely, we were foreigners.



	In thinking about that exchange of dialogue, it occurred to

me that sometimes you can blend in so well, that no one can tell

you don't belong. You look, act, and talk like those around you.



	Christians at times blend in so well to their environment

that it is difficult for people to determine that there is

something different about them. They act, talk and conduct

themselves in a fashion that identifies them with the culture

that surrounds them.



	I am not suggesting that those who are followers of Jesus

begin to act in a way that portrays arrogance or self-

righteousness or a sense of self-imposed masochism. But we do

need to act and talk in such a way that God is elevated, Jesus is

honored and His cause is not hindered. Can people see the

difference in YOU?



Norman Russell

2761 Broadway

North Bend, Oregon USA  97459