Are or Do You Make Better For It?

Rowland Hill – (Born 3 December 1795 – Died 27 August 1879, London teacher, inventor and social reformer) once said, “he would not believe a man to be a true Christian if his wife, his children, the servants, and even the dog and cat, were not the better for it.”

One man’s opinion, yes, and if literally applied, Rowland’s assertion rises to the level of the disciples response to Jesus when they asked him who can be saved after hearing Jesus admonish the young rich man to go and sell all of his goods and give the proceeds to the poor. I cannot imagine any man, especially today, having the strength and maturity in Jesus to impact his family in such a godly manner; let alone a man who has a wife, children, employee, or household pets that would take his counsel… well, a dog maybe.

Then again, when has the response of families, friends, employees and pets had any bearing on identifying a true Christian? We read in Luke 17:34, “I tell you, in that night there will be two in one bed. One will be taken and the other left.” The righteousness of the one taken did not positively affect the one left behind.

Then again and again, what did Rowland Hill mean when he said a true Christian made others ‘better for it?’ Perhaps, he simply meant that a true Christian loved others as Christ loved others… brought peace and stability, where other families, employers, and dog parks did not enjoy peace.