Nathanaelic
“Nazareth!” exclaimed Nathanael. “Can anything good come from Nazareth?”
“Come and see for yourself,” Philip replied. John 1:46 NLT
IWISH to tell you, my dear readers, that the term "Nathanaelic" is my invented word which describes people who have toxic attitudes toward others due to their convictions. What is interesting here is that "nathanaelics" are people who are so right, so respectable, so by-the-book and yet, so rude. It is not what they stand for that is in question here . . . rather; it is their attitude in expressing their principles which make them very hard to live with.
This type of person has an abundant supply of sarcastic ammunitions similar to the "Can any good thing come out of Nazareth?" rhetoric. These statements are just like sharp arrows released by a careless archer . . . their insults mercilessly hit the target. Their words are acids which deform the last strand of dignity of another. It is because of this that they are shunned even by their well-meaning friends. How sad . . . and what a tragic way to live life. This is a rather morbid way to grow old, and most probably, such a great relief to many when their funeral is announced!
Remember, Nathanaelics are not immoral; they are so moral and yet, so rude. They are intense persons but rather quite insulting. ‘So right and yet, so rude’ . . . so patriotic, so sarcastic, and so prejudiced! As I reflect on the life of Nathanael, I find it is really much easier to live with an alcoholic rather than with a Nathanaelic. I cannot help but consider how pitiful the marriage partners of nathanaelics are . . . and how bitter their children become . . . how much their peers end up being so hurt. Honestly, it is when we think we are right and really doing well . . . when we believe that we are incapable of doing wrong . . . when our self-righteous attitudes come to the fore . . . this is when we get to see our dark nathanaelic sides. Are you aware of this? Reflect!
The Lord has graciously prepared Philip's for Nathanaels. People who are like Philip know how to relate ‘in grace and truth.’ Their attitudes in handling sarcasm, anger, bigotry and prejudice make Nathanaels reflect and ultimately are led to Christ where "nathanaelics" find true transformation. After you have read this article, you will either reflect upon its contents or resent it altogether. As for me, my job is simply to open you and myself to awareness, hoping that God will grant us an AWAKENING .... that God will chose people with ‘nathanaelic’ attitudes . . . having been transformed to be his disciples! Do not forget, God also made Philips to be reflections of grace and truth so that many more difficult people will find Christ. Thanks for reading. I always write straight from my heart.