# XI: Culpable Goodness explained — A Day at a Time

> Chapter companion for A Day at a Time by Archibald Alexander.

## What happens

The chapter warns against allowing one's good to be evil spoken of through censoriousness, extremeness, and coldness, urging Christians to embody charity, moderation, and warmth.

## Themes in this chapter

### The Power of Speech and Gossip

The chapter warns against censorious speech and uncharitable judgments that cause one's good to be evil spoken of.

### Cheerfulness and Resilience

Advocates for warmth and heartiness in service, contrasting cold duty with loving, cheerful religion.

### Love and Generosity

Emphasizes Christian charity, forbearance, and the importance of love over mere duty-doing.

## Character check-ins

### Paul

Quoted and cited as an example of Christian moderation and gentlemanly conduct, especially in his letter to Philemon.

### R. L. Stevenson

Quoted for his remark that religion should not fill a man with bile.

### John Bunyan

Referenced for his phrase 'grievous crab-tree cudgel' in the context of blunt speech.

### Jesus Christ

Implied as the model for forbearance and charity, and referenced in the phrase 'followers of Christ' and 'Christlike.'

## Key lines

> Let not then your good be evil spoken of.

Do not allow your virtuous actions to be slandered or criticized.

_Opening verse from Romans 14:16, setting the chapter's theme._

> Judge not; the workings of his brain And of his heart thou canst not see. What looks, to thy dim eyes, a stain, In God's pure light may only be A scar brought from some well-won field, Where thou wouldst only faint and yield.

Do not judge others, for you cannot see their inner struggles; what appears as a flaw to you may be a mark of past victory in God's eyes.

_Poem quoted to illustrate the danger of censorious judgment._

> Let your moderation be known to all men.

Make sure everyone sees your balanced and reasonable behavior.

_Paul's advice to the Philippians, used to argue against extremeness._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/a_day_at_a_time_se/chapters/xi-culpable-goodness
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/a_day_at_a_time_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/a_day_at_a_time_se/chapters