Being polite; being nice

Here's what I know:

Being polite is not the same thing as being nice.

I meet people in the kingdom of God (and in our church) who are very polite.  But they are not very nice.

They are politely mean.

Some Christians have perfected this "art" over the years.

They know how to smile that plastic smile, and feign friendship and concern, if only for a moment.

They are polite and even give to others (or serve in a ministry) (Martha's - men and women - in the faith tend to be susceptible to this - they think that their service in ministry nullifies a bad attitude).

Can I give you a suggestion?

Just because you are polite - does not mean that you are nice.

People can slander - politely.

People can gossip - politely.

People can disagree - politely.

People can sit in a church service - politely.

And still be mean.

Meanness is most of all an attitude.  An attitude of the heart.

Have you ever heard someone say, "your attitude stinks?"

That can be more than a metaphor for what's going on inside.

Sometimes, I can "smell" people's attitude about life in general - from a distance.

I would ask that you pray about something:

Pray about being polite and nice - and the fact that just because you are polite - does not mean that you are a nice person.

Just a thought for a Tuesday.