Being nice may be for some a good place to start, but Christians are called to much more.
- So when is nice not nice?
When we are nice so we can manipulate people and/or circumstances.
When we are nice so we can hide who we truly are.
- How can you tell when a nice person isn’t really so nice after all?
When you cross them. Especially the manipulator. Mess with their plans, and they will mess with you.
We have all had these people in our lives. They can appear to be the nicest people in the world. In fact appearance is everything to this person. But it’s all appearance. No fruit. That is why I personally would rather be known for kindness, goodness – you know, the fruity stuff – not for being “nice.”
- Galatians 5:22–23 (NAS) But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.
You see nice is too often a manufactured product designed and engineered in the dark places of the human heart. Let’s look like we are giving and caring and loving, so we can get what we want. Dark. Where’s the flashlight, Harold? This is really dark.
You’ve heard the expression “I don’t get mad; I get even.” Well, the “nice manipulator” gets mad and gets even. You just may not know it until the noose is around your neck, and they are extracting payment for your transgressions.
When my receptors begin picking up the signals of a “nice” person like this, I sometimes get nervous. They flatter, they smile, they say all the right things. They welcome you into their world.
But beware the hooks.
Because if you fall for the flattery and manipulation and take the bait, then they’ve got you. You are in, but you are only one misdeed from having their support to being number one on their bad list.
Personal experience. That’s not a real good place to be.
But here’s some good news; some really good news.
Manipulators do not rule the universe. I do not need to bow before the manipulator, no matter how nice they are. 🙂
Jesus Christ, Creator and Redeemer, is Sovereign Lord of all.
And Jesus does not manipulate. When you cross him, when you disobey him, when you disappoint him. He stands ready with grace and mercy.
- Hebrews 4:16 (NLT) So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most.
Now that’s nice.
