The problem with being a nice guy

Today's Christian Woman recently ran an interview with Paul Coughlin, author of No More Christian Nice Guy. So what's the problem with being a nice guy?

If by "nice" you mean a person who's gentle and patient, then there's nothing wrong with that. Those attributes are fruits of the Spirit. But oftentimes when someone is described as a "nice guy," it's not as it appears. Nice people are often passive; they're hiding behind that "niceness." Nice Guys figure, If I live small, my troubles will be few. They often go with the flow—not because they agree with you, but because they're afraid of conflict.

But as followers of Christ, we're supposed to be honest with others. We're supposed to be salt and light to those who don't know Jesus (Matthew 5:13-16). It's difficult to be salt and light when you think you've got to be agreeable all the time.

Amen. And Mr. Coughlin's thoughts tie in . . . uh, nicely with this post at Jollyblogger. The Coughlin interview is full of good stuff; so is the No More Christian Nice Guy web site.