March 7, 2008 An article from Jim Dickson, Past President and co-founder of Christians in Cable I attended a men’s bible study group recently and was struck with a message that rang true to me. It regarded our “picture” of an individual or group. It dealt with the stereotypes and our quickness to judge others. We all tend to put people inside a “frame” based on our knowledge of that person. Perhaps we have been dealt with rudely, harshly or unfairly by someone. Many times I would think that person a jerk, or worse. All I know is what happened in the moment and how that impacted me. What I don’t know is how that person’s day went or if they’re in a life crisis. I don’t know if that guy’s marriage was falling apart, or if his son was addicted to drugs, or if his dog died yesterday. I don’t know if they had a childhood filled with abuse, a broken home, addiction, or worse. I don’t know what motivates them to behave the way they do. I don’t know their hearts, only God knows that. Christ exhibited his love for everyone, well almost everyone (there were incidents like the day at the Temple with the money changers), but He knew their hearts. He did not stone the adulteress Samaritan woman at the well. He did not turn his back on the hated tax collector. He did not ask the lepers to keep their distance. He did not turn his back on me and He will not turn His back on you. Before I accepted Christ as my Lord and Savior I led a life dedicated to me. It was kind of hedonistic, really. I won’t bore you with the details because some of the readers may want to put me in a “frame” that is not the “me” of today. Let’s just say many people who knew me “when” were surprised by the new me. They were shocked to know that I worked for a religious cable TV network group. They were surprised when I declined to participate in less than savory behavior. They were baffled by my new code of morality and ethics. Speaking of which, I am still a sinner. I have changed my actions and behaviors of the past, but I am still a sinner. I screw up and that’s OK. I keep trying and that’s what matters. I try to do as Christ would do but I fail – often. I know some Christians who don’t think I fit the mold of a “good” Christian. I have a quick sense of humor that may not be appropriate, in their eyes, for the moment. I like to go dancing (King David did, too!) and I don’t mind having a glass of wine now and then (Jesus had 4 cups at the last supper). I can be skeptical of some Christian teachers and teachings and wonder as to their Biblical validity. This doesn’t make me a bad Christian any more than those Christians who may criticize my actions are bad Christians. We are all different and have diverse personalities and views. We are the same, though, in that Christ has extended grace to us all. A more recent 20th Century historical reference on this topic can be made with the treatment of Germany after World War I and World War II. The allies wanted to punish Germany for its aggression and for the losses of life, limb and property brought to the nations by the First World War. They, at the Treaty of Versailles, established harsh and punitive sanctions on Germany in the way of reparations and restrictions. German’s hated these rules, and the allies, which gave a foothold to a nationalist fascist in Adolf Hitler. Hitler promised an end to these sanctions and a return to a German state of prominence. This appealed to many Germans. Most bought into this line without a thorough knowledge of the rest of Hitler’s agenda. This led, of course, to the devastating Second World War and the outrageous atrocities visited on Jews, Poles, Russians, the Gypsies, gays, liberals, intellectuals, the infirmed and others. Germany was again defeated but a new tactic by the West, instead of serious reparations and restrictions, was employed. The war criminals were tried and some jailed and some executed but this time the German people were not made to suffer any more than they already had. Grace was extended, through the Marshall Plan, which brought aid to a war ravaged Europe and West Germany and allowed the people to build a new and prosperous society. The ability to take the German people out of the “frame” made by Hitler and his staff created a state of grace that has led to a strong ally for the West. We took the German people out of the frame we had them in and they took us out of the frame they held us in. Even now, while much of the world is down on America, you will find the German people some of the warmest in Europe towards America and Americans. What does this all mean? I don’t want to be “framed” by you and I will not try to “frame” you. Grace has been extended to me and I will try to extend grace to others. There will be times when I fail and there will be times that you may fail but we all keep trying. However, we are called upon to be accountable to one another and “like iron sharpens iron” to correct, in a loving way, improper behavior of other believers we may witness. I am open to the rebukes and accountability for my actions. Start with your families and your Christian brothers and sisters. Look beyond their faults (and pray they look beyond yours) and love them as Christ loves you, unconditionally. Take this then to the workplace and into society. What a great way to model Christ and help yourself at the same time. It takes away feelings of vengefulness, hate, shame and distrust and replaces it with love. I’ll take love any day. Author's Bio: Jim Dickson has been in the cable industry for 25 (?) years in various positions including publishing, marketing and affiliate sales. He recently left the employ of the Inspiration Networks where he was the Vice President of Affiliate Sales for National Accounts for almost 15 years. He is currently looking for a new position and would appreciate any leads you can send him.

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