There are visible signs to an uncommon Christian life. Evidence that demonstrates a difference in a good way. Not perfect. But authentic and distinct. Here are just three signs that mark a real follower of Jesus Christ.
AN UNCOMMON CHRISTIAN
LIFE DEMONSTRATES HOLINESS
Stay with me. Biblical holiness is NOT holier than thou. That is actually self-righteousness and was regularly condemned by Jesus as pride in disguise.
In the life of an uncommon Christian, holiness is the pursuit, not the perfection of Godliness. As Paul describes in Philippians 3:12, it’s a goal you consistently strive to attain, but never complete in this life.
What do you mean by holy?
Biblical holiness means to be set apart and dedicated to God. It’s marked more by the desire of your heart than success of your performance. Even so, there is something obviously upright about how an uncommon Christian lives.
Additionally, it’s more than human effort. Scripture teaches that God’s Spirit dwells within and empowers a real follower of Jesus. So an uncommon Christian produces visible, spiritual fruits. (Galatians 5:22-23)
AN UNCOMMON CHRISTIAN
STANDS ON BIBLICAL TRUTH
The Bible claims to be God’s Word and absolute truth. (2
Timothy 3:16-17) It is an either or claim that demands a yes or no conviction.
In a yes response, a real follower of Jesus conforms his/her life to the teachings of scripture and resists fitting it to his/her lifestyle. So there’s an uncompromising, principled quality to an uncommon Christian life.
One that especially stands out in the relative truth, worldview of modern society. Perhaps is even mocked as out of touch with current thought.
AN UNCOMMON CHRISTIAN
MAINTAINS A FORWARD FOCUS
An uncommon Christian has a positive attitude and forward mindset. Because a real follower of Jesus anticipates a secure, heavenly future. Yet, doesn’t disengage from this life.
A real follower of Jesus recognizes the existence of evil without running from it. But rather, ministers through a transforming power that is Christ’s presence in their life. And when followers of Jesus unify as the church, the power is magnified.
Beyond life’s circumstances…
In spite of circumstances, an uncommon Christian possesses the most resilient force on earth…hope! It drives them, defines them and equips them with transcending joy.
Most importantly, an uncommon Christian is product of grace. Not perfectly reflected, but still a glimpse of God’s grace. So a real follower of Jesus shines like a lighthouse in a dark, needy world.
Along with a puzzling plot that you piece together clue by clue, a great mystery novel presents compelling characters.
One of my favorite mystery story characters is Inspector Jacques
Clouseau. I laugh at his zany, slap stick ineptness and yet, he always
successfully solves the mystery I can’t figure out until it’s revealed at the
end.
Here are things for you to consider in creating compelling
characters for your mystery novel.
The Characters In A Great Mystery Novel Are Relatable
You want readers to root for the main character in your mystery. To see themselves in him. So give him traits, problems and challenges like average people. Everyone roots for an underdog. Maybe your mystery novel character is the class nerd who is up against the most popular boy in school.
Perhaps it’s a weakness or fault. Despite his usually good
natured personality, he has a quick temper that gets him into trouble. Or he is
plagued by a weakness like fear of the dark, fear of water or heights. Or maybe
none of this phases him, but he nearly faints at the thought of public
speaking.
Complicate Characters In Your Great Mystery Novel With Paradoxes
Real people are complicated with multiple dimensions that will surprise you. Like the engineer who acts in Shakespeare drama. The construction worker who raises a garden. The assembly-line factory worker who masters crossword puzzles.
Do the same with your characters. A good way is to simply think
opposites. A huge football lineman that enjoys ballet. A seven foot basketball
player who bakes cup cakes. A classic opera singer that plays poker. Even bad
guys aren’t bad all the time. What if the villain in your mystery novel has a
tender heart for puppies and donates generously to an animal shelter?
Create A Character Back Story
The back story in a mystery is represented by the events and experiences in a character’s past that influence their current behavior. They many not actually show up in your mystery novel, but they influence how the character behaves.
Maybe there’s something in that character’s family
history. He’s afraid of the dark because as a child, he was locked in a dark
basement. Or fears water because of nearly drowning.
In my Christian Detective Novel, Soul
Pursuit, the back story of Jack Sterling, the main character is slowly
revealed a little at a time. And it’s all part of his faith
journey that progresses through the book and leads to a point where he’s
confronted with a personal decision.
The back story in your novel can become a mystery itself that you solve as you reveal it a little at a time. A certain, habit. An unusual quirk. And the reason or motivation behind it is revealed slowly through the course of the mystery novel.
As you craft intriguing mysteries and create compelling
characters, your mystery novel will go from good to great.
After you’ve worked out the main plot, consider writing a subplot for your detective novel.
A sub what?
A subplot takes place within the main plot of your detective novel. It’s also called a story thread and story within a story. Subplots are shorter than the main plot. But like the main plot, they tell a story with characters, conflict and resolution.
There’s no rule of thumb on how many subplots to include in
your detective novel. It really depends on how long and how complex of a book
you want to write.
Subplots add texture to your detective novel. They increase drama, add intrigue, misdirection and depth to your book.
Ways To Write A Subplot For Your Detective Novel
There are many uses for subplots. The most obvious, of course, is to make your book longer. Otherwise, not only is your detective novel one dimensional, it may feel too short.
But subplots also accomplish other things. They add dimension and help you develop your characters by putting them into various situations that reveal other sides of their personalities.
You can also use subplots to change the mood and pace of your story. Suppose, for example, you just completed a heart pounding scene in your detective novel where an important character just barely escapes.
Taking readers into a calmer subplot storyline lightens the
mood and lets them catch their emotional breath.
Deciding The Type of Subplot For Your Detective Novel
When considering different types of subplots to use in your detective
novel, think variety. Maybe it’s a physical challenge. While solving the
mystery, your hero also pursues a goal or solves a problem separate from the
mystery.
Let’s say the main character in your mystery is a high school newspaper reporter tracking down the basketball team’s stolen mascot uniform. But his editor also assigns him to write a story on the local dog show. You might intersect the two plots somehow or keep them completely separate.
An internal story
Or maybe your subplot for your detective novel is an internal story. A decision or moral dilemma the character wrestles with.
In my faith-based detective novel, Soul
Pursuit, the main character, Jack Sterling is on a faith journey. He starts
out a non-religious person, but experiences a number of encounters throughout
the book to a climax where he is confronted with his beliefs about God
and his own personal faith decision.
As you master the art of writing subplots and weave them together with your main plot, you’ll create a detective novel that is longer, more interesting and engaging.
Some people claim Jesus was a great salesman. But I think he was the worst marketer ever.
I’ve been a professional copywriter for 25 years. I’ve written the words…
Simple… Easy… and convenient…
Probably, like a bazillion times in every form of media invented. Except maybe stone tablets.
I’ve been a follower of Jesus Christ even longer. Not just a once a week church goer. But one who studies and applies his teachings to everyday life and leads my family on the same path.
Okay, I regularly fail in my efforts. Still, I press on with an intentional, Spirit-led focus.
So when I read material that extols Jesus as a great marketer or salesman, I don’t get it. I think he was terrible at marketing.
The worst marketer ever
Why?
Because nothing about my life as a Christ-follower has been simple, easy or convenient. Nor did Jesus use those words in his marketing efforts. Or try to persuade people to follow him.
He proposed the opposite.
Sure. Christianity offers one really attractive benefit statement—the hope of eternal life. But it’s an open ended invitation. You can always play the odds, risk it and put that decision off to the last minute.
Beat the buzzer, as they say in sports. And enjoy the best of both worlds. But that’s a separate discussion.
Bad Recruiting Statements By The Worst Marketer Ever
Here are some of Jesus’ marketing statements recorded in scripture:
Anyone who loves their father or mother more than me is not worthy of me; anyone who loves their son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me. –Matthew 10:37
Then you will be handed over to be persecuted and put to death, and you will be hated by all nations because of me. –Matthew 24:9
Then he said to them all: Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me. –Luke 9:23
In the same way, those of you who do not give up everything you have cannot be my disciples. –Luke 14:33
The point being…
Following Jesus involves costs.
Wow. Really? Well, sign me right up.
But wait, there’s more!
Sorry, couldn’t help myself.
There’s also, no simple, provable and easy answer on why you should sign up for it. I think God planned it that way.
For me, it has been a challenging journey with some costs. Fortunately, not the ultimate cost some have paid.
Why Follow The Worst Marketer Ever?
On the positive side, I’ve enjoyed some of God’s pretty cool promises.
So why spend a professional career as a marketer myself? Why persuade people to buy products and services that are simple, easy, and convenient and live a life following someone whose marketing message offers the opposite?
Because there’s something undeniably compelling about Jesus. Something authentic, real and genuine. Something that tells me following him is worth it. That he’s worth it.
And it demands a response. First, a decision of belief. Followed by acts of faith.
A little known Bible story with a valuable lesson demonstrates the difference between leading through influence over authority.
It is found in 2 Kings 11-13 and 2 Chronicles 24:15-22 and has a Grimm’s Fairy Tale quality to it.
Here’s a summary:
Athaliah, the wicked queen mother of king Ahaziah, seizes the throne of Judah when king Ahaziah is assassinated. And she kills all possible heirs to secure her rule. Except one infant heir, Joash, is whisked away. And he’s hidden in the temple and raised by Johioada the priest.
However, when Joash turns seven, Johoiada hails him king in an orchestrated, public event. And queen Athaliah is seized and put to death.
Joash is now in supreme power. But it is the influence of Jehoiada the priest that governs how he rules.
Joash did what was right in the eyes of the Lord all the years Jehoiada the priest instructed him. (ESV, 2 Kings 12:3)
But there’s a surprise ending. Because after Jehoiada dies, Joash morally degrades into a wicked king and eventually assassinated.
Authority Comes By Position, Influence Comes Through Relationship
There’s a subtle but crucial difference in leading through influence over authority. Especially when it comes to building a healthy team and organization.
Whenever you possess authority and in command. It doesn’t mean you command allegiance. Or guarantee your followers will fully and enthusiastically carry out your decisions.
And if your followers don’t actually follow you then your organization is going nowhere. Because teamwork and unity you need to develop requires trust and genuine relationships in order to exert influence.
Strength Of Character And Relationship Impact Your Level Of Influence
The inference is there. Jehoiada was like a father to Joash. He loved him and raised him like a son.
Furthermore, Jehoiada also loved and served God. Obeyed God’s teachings. Exhibited Godly character. And all of it rubbed off on Joash.
Since Jehoiada wanted to please and serve God, Joash wanted to please and serve God too.
A similar story is found in John 1:40-51. One of the first disciples Jesus called was Andrew. And right away, he finds his brother, Peter, and introduce him to Jesus too.
Peter…the guy Jesus called a rock. Who became a significant leader in the Christian movement and influence on the church. But it was his brother who influenced him first,
Would Peter have still met Jesus if it weren’t for Andrew? Maybe. But Andrew’s influence radically changed the course of Peter’s life. And Peter’s influence profoundly affects the Christian church today.
So who is in your sphere of influence? What relationships should you develop and personal character traits should you address?
The strength of Jehoiada’s character impacted Joash and will do the same for those you influence. Furthermore, you don’t need authority to use it. Jehoiada the priest had no power or authority. But his influence impacted the welfare of an entire kingdom. Andrew’s influence impacted an entire religion.
And your influence might be more powerful than you think.
Something to think about.
About Chip Tudor:
Chip Tudor is an author, blogger and professional writer. He publishes books, humorous Christian drama, and thought provoking blogs from a Christian worldview.This blog is originally published here.
Enjoy Humorous Christian Books?
Check out my book Family Stew. It’s a collection of stories from the days of our young family along with summary thoughts from a Christian perspective.
Join my list and I'll notify you of new blog posts and send you a monthly newsletter. It features inspirational thoughts, writing tips, and a peek into writing projects. I'll also include my article: Exaggerate to Make Your Presentations Funny. It shows you how to punch up presentations with humor and make them more compelling.
