While the 4 gospels depict a Jesus as a person not always popular with the religious establishment of his day, the overall populace found Jesus quite appealing. One can speculate as to why - perhaps his ability to heal the sick and cast out demons - or his amazing teaching as one who had real authority; but I think the reason Jesus drew such a following was the simple fact that he was the kind of person that others just liked being around. For us to be followers and imitators of our Lord, it would help if we could be the kind of people that others just liked being around. In his classic writing, The Power of Positive Thinking, author Norman Vincent Peale lists ten rules, a kind of spiritual cadence if you will, in how we can become the kind of people that others enjoy being around. Do this, and your witness will be respected.
1. Learn to remember names.
2. Be a very comfortable person so there is no strain in others being with you.
3. Acquire the quality of a relaxed, easy-going manner in how you talk and listen.
4. Don't be egotistical. Be humble.
5. Cultivate the quality of being interesting so people will want to be with you.
6. Study to get the "scratchy" elements out of your personality.
7. Don't hold grudges.
8. Practice liking people.
9. Never miss an opportunity to say a word of congratulations or share a sympathy.
10. Get a deep spiritual experience so that you have something to give to people.
