Practical Devotion of the Day: Being a good Christian everywhere

The Christian in the church. Consider how the church is compared to a vineyard or a garden; every Christian must be like a flower that spreads a sweet fragrance around it and attracts others to imitate it. In the temple of God, devotion, composure, silence, respect, fervor, recollection in holy things, stimulate those who see you well; and your good example how much good it can produce in others! But woe to you if you scandalize them!

The Christian in the house. Our eye instinctively turns to others; and the other good or bad example makes a furrow in our heart! Everyone confesses, in his own life, the power of the stimulus of others for good or evil done. At home, gentleness, patience, affability, industriousness, resignation in daily events, make the Christian an object of admiration to family members. If even one becomes better through you, you have gained a soul.

The Christian in society. Escape the world as much as you can, if you love to keep yourself innocent and pure; however, sometimes you have to be in contact with others. In the first centuries Christians were known in their brotherly love, in the modesty of their features, in the general goodness of their customs. Could anyone who saw your doing, who heard your speeches, especially about others, have a good impression and recognize you as a faithful follower of the virtue of Jesus?

PRACTICE. - Study, with a good example, to draw others to good. Say a prayer for those who are scandalized by you.