What Makes You A Good Christian Poem by James McLain

Not the grand hymn sung in the vaulted nave,
Nor the candle flickering bright and brave,
But the whisper of love that none can see,
A heart that bends to the lowly and free.
Not the weight of words in sacred prayer,
But the silent hand that lifts despair,
The bread you break, unseen, unheard,
The comfort found in a gentle word.

Not the crown of thorns you proudly bear,
But the cross you share in another's care.
Not the purity of the creed you claim,
But how you speak another's name.
Do you forgive, as the Master taught,
With love as free as the lilies wrought?
Do you weep with those who weep in the rain,
And feel their loss like your own pain?

In every child, in every face,
Do you see the light of saving grace?
Do you hold the earth as holy ground,
And in all things God's love surround?
What makes you a Christian good and true
Isn't in what the world can view—
It's the secret deeds, the quiet cheer,
The tender mercy, year by year.
In love's small acts, in joy's sweet art,
There dwells the faithful Christian heart.