Christian Living

Can You Find The Christian?

by paul hoffmaster
10/26/25
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One of the things I enjoy doing is watching people.  One of the best places to observe human nature is at the grocery store.  My wife knows I don’t like shopping, so when we get to the store, she takes me over to a bench and tells me to “sit and stay” until she comes back from her two-hour scavenger hunt.  After weeks of obedience training, I decided to make up a game to help occupy my detention time.  I decided that I would try and identify the Christian.  I know some would say that is judging, but to me, it is simply observing.   So on these special days, I would be an obedient husband, and wait as she searches the best way to diminish our financial status, while as the same time playing my game called, “Finding the Christian.” 

One of the first things I looked for was the physical demeanor of the people.  I believe that people’s countenance is a pretty good gauge of what is going on inside an individual.  It is a “polaroid” shot.  To a Christian, the joy of the Lord cannot be disguised.  It is hard to carry a frown when your life has been so radically changed by your relationship with Jesus.  No matter what we face in life, we rest in the assurance that “all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to His purpose.” (Romans 8:28)   When you are overjoyed with His presence, it is hard to be annoyed.  I have to admit it was very difficult to find  Christians who displayed their Faith.

I tried to tune my ears to the words people were expressing.  I heard anger, frustration, idle, and correctional as well as instructional words.  I expanded my hearing radar, hoping to catch anything that would help me identify the elusive Christian.  I was tempted to leave my bench and wander about in search of words that would help me identify Christians, but in so doin,g I would be in violation of my wife’s instruction.

I thought I would look at the clothing people were wearing.  I have to admit this was even more challenging than the first two quests.  Christians seem to have been drawn into the world of fashion.  Instead of dressing modestly, there is a degree of conformity where attention is brought to their outward appearance.  I don’t believe Christians should dress to hide their personality, but they should wear clothes that would draw attention to their moral standards of behavior.

I watched to see how people would interact with strangers.  Would they smile and initiate an oral gesture like, “Hi,” or “How’s it going?”  How would they respond to the cashier?  Christians are not just to act like Christians in church, but wherever they go.  Carrying and sharing with others is part of the Believers' lifestyle.

I know I probably missed recognizing a lot of Christians, but why should it be so hard to spot a Believer?  The Scriptures make it clear that we are not to be “conformed to the world, but be transformed by the renewing of our minds…” (Romans 12:2). The world says to check our Christianity at the church door, but the Word teaches that we are the church!

I imagine there were some Secret Service agents at the store on those days, but their identities remained undiscovered.  May we adjust our facial expressions while speaking positively, not only to people we know but strangers, as well as dressing appropriately.   How many Christians can you find when you go shopping?