HAROLD KELLER

If you do not know God, He’s in the Book Abraham Lincoln once said that if you don’t like someone, maybe you should get to know them better. In my lifetime experiences, I say, contrary to Lincoln’s quote, if you like someone, getting to know them better might change your opinion. Saturday morning, while sitting around the table with my daughter, Ronny, and two of her children, Geoff and Monique, I asked Goeff, “Of my 15 grandchildren, which one do you think likes me the best?” He didn’t hesitatye and said, “It’s got to be Kameron, because he is the youngst and doesn’t know better.” We all laughed. Geoff is pretty sharp, with his little sarcastic remarks. The conversation made me realize that over a period of time, getting to know people better could change your opinion of them. I then started thinking that could go two ways. Over the years, many people with whom I had a fairly good relationship, are no longer a part of my life. Why? I guess they got to know me bette and didn’t especially care for the person I really was. The Bible says that only God knows the heart of man. To this, I say: “Thank God!” As a Christian, I believe that everyone was created to love and serve God. When we refuse to live according to the purpose God has for our lives, we by choice weaken our relationship with Him. How can we develop a better relationship with God? Maybe Abraham Lincoln gave us the answer. Get to know God better. We can do this by reading the Bible daily. It’s amazing that when our relationship with God improves, the relationship with our family and friends get better. We start to look at them through the eyes of God. Our character improves and our character defects slowly disappear. It is then easier for us not to judge others and to accept them, with all their shortcomings. As I think back to my Saturday morning conversation with Ronny, Geoff and Monique, I believe Geoff was right. Kameron, only 5 years old, most probably does like me the best, because he still sees me through the eyes of God. He loves me, unconditionally, with all my faults. HAROLD KELLER writes this column as part of his affiliation with the Get High on Life religious motivational group. Call him at (985) 652-8477, or write to P.O. Drawer U, Reserve, La. 70080.