Traits of a Christ-follower

As we concluded on Wednesday we asked the question: what does a person look like who’s been shaped over time by Jesus Christ? While there are a thousand different looks to Christ-followers, what general traits, tendencies does the Spirit develop in them? The question is NOT, what practices or concepts formed them but what does it commonly look like to have been formed?

1. Gentle, doesn’t quickly blow up. Hardly ever takes personal offense. A reconciler in many ways.
2. Ultimately loyal to God…not the world’s course or family (including spouse) or convenience or…
3. Slow to speak; quick to hear. Generally values language.
4. Even though he’s solid, there are elements to him that are surprising/ unpredictable. In depth of mercy. In what angers him (see point 9). In optimism. In toughness and resilience. In some of his opinions: not always squared with common categories e.g., conservative/liberal
5. Rooted in the local church. Has had many conversations with the old ladies of the congregation. Knows the young people by name.
6. Though it might be buried under affability or gregariousness – COURAGE. Not ultimately a “yes man.” But then not a default contrarian either.
7. Takes the long view with people.
8. More interested in quality than quantity.
9. Carries around antipathies. “You who love Jehovah, hate evil.” These strong dislikes arising from faithful principles set him outside the current version of the ‘cool kids’ who recoil from anything that’s not 100% easy going and nice.
10. Thinks often of the next generation. Pushes them; likes them. Is especially interested in their education.
11. Understands the importance of intermediate authority.

And, a couple more traits that people brought up on Weds that were too good to leave off the list:

1. Content.
2. Likes people.
3. A good suffer-er.

What would you add?