Over the last 35 years I have had the chance to meet a lot of Christians. Some were ok, some were sweet, some were interesting, some absolutely adorable and then there were a few that were just NOT my cup of tea! After going through that essential “know it all” seminary phase, I really began to dislike legalistic and dogmatic people, even though people like Isaiah and Ezekiel were that mindset to a “T.” As a matter of fact, some of the radio/TV evangelist teachers that taught me much in those early years I struggle with now due to their (at times) arrogant presentation of Biblical knowledge. However, we need them to make us think and continue to search our minds, hearts and the scriptures to make sure we stay on track.

One of the people I think would probably have bristled my feathers the most was Jerome (345 – 420 AD.) I’m just glad I had Dr. Beck for my Seminary Professor instead of him. However, Jerome would be the dream of many seminary students. He studied (in Striden of Dalmatia) and became a master of Latin, Greek, Hebrew and Chaldaic then moved to Rome and Trier, Germany for years of advanced studies. Later he traveled Palestine extensively before spending 5 years in the desert of Chalcis for prayer, penance, and study. He finally settled in Bethlehem where he spent his life translating the Bible and writing commentaries in Latin. St. Augustine said: “What Jerome is ignorant of, no mortal has ever known.” His translation of the Bible (Vulgate) became the “Bible of the Catholic Church.”

However, what Jerome is known for as a person was his bad temper and venomous pen. He was probably not a guy you and I might want to have a beer or watch a football game with. If you had asked him to join you in such an activity he probably would have asked you why you wasted your time on such unspiritual activities and questioned your commitment to God. He was opinionated, quick to anger, a fearless critic, yet harder on himself than he was on others – if you can imagine that!

I present Jerome as an example of the diversity in our church and lives. It’s ok to have your differences and not particularly be drawn to some believers, but there must also be a tolerance of their uniqueness in the Kingdom. We cannot resort to judging as that is God’s job today. We will have our chance after graduation when we judge the angels, but until then, the Jerome’s of the world must be an anomaly. One we may not understand, yet accept their place and their role in ours and other’s lives. May not always be easy, but it is our obligation.

I also want you to think about the times when you probably felt like I was Jerome’s twin brother. That’s ok, there was a reason for that at times. There will always be some areas of life that we cannot compromise on that may be hard for others to tolerate. Those times require that we hold our ground and stand firm with our beliefs. The key is to remember that if we want to be a blessing to others then we must not dwell on divisive subjects. However, if someone is being led astray by deception or distraction, you must play a role in lighting their path. Only you can make that evaluation and your timing must be impeccable – as you may only have one chance to make an impression or say the right thing that will impact their lives eternally.

It may be hard to find the good in some people, but if you look hard enough it will appear. You may have to lift the curtain to see what is behind it as they may not want you to see. That is our job and role, especially if they espouse Christ.

Love Dad