Episode 50 is a sit down with Sharon Hodde Miller, author of Nice. She shares her season of wrestling with "niceness". It keeps the peace, wins friends, gains influence, and serves our reputations well. It looks a lot like following Jesus, but it takes all the power and freedom out of our lives. Sharon shares her own battle with this false faith, confesses some of the bad fruits it produced in her life, and she shares biblical wisdom, insight, and deep convictions to lead women Godward in who God is really calling us to be.

What made you address this issue of "niceness" as an idol in your life?

• I started to serve my niceness more than Christ. It's a false virtue and false idol. My motives became muddy. I was a nice Christian girl because it got me things.

What is the difference in being nice and being kind?

• Nice has soft edges with a soft core.
• Harsh has hard edges and a firm core.
• Kind has soft edges - firm core - and conviction.
• When someone doesn't reciprocate your niceness we feel hurt. It makes "niceness" transactional.
• Kindness counts the cost. It's about honoring God and loving people no matter how they treat you back.

How has the church failed in this area of niceness?

• The church has failed because we've become good at looking "Christian". We have to have souls that are actually filled with the Holy Spirit.
• We have to have the courage and trust God. It's a muscle we must exercise.
• We want to look like Jesus instead of becoming like Jesus.

Things that indicate we're falling prey to "niceness":

• Niceness protects US.
• When we shy away from "hot topics" to keep the peace. We're really giving territory to the enemy.
• We classify "niceness" as faithfulness and wisdom.

What is a sentimental faith?

• A feel-good faith can begin to conveniently sidestep the cross.
• Driven by Christian subculture.
• It can look like a faith rooted in nostalgia and feel good emotions.
• It doesn't stand firm in the storm.
• Feeling/emotionally driven.
• Can confuse/cloud our motives.

If someone asked you what they needed to begin living with less of in regards to becoming who Christ is calling them to be what would you tell them and why?

• Less yes - so you can do well with what He's calling you to.

You're a pastors wife, mom of 3, and book writer.. what is you fuel besides Jesus!

• Cinderella Latte! - you can actually order this a Sbux! 

You can find out more about Sharon by visiting her website: https://sheworships.com and follow her on Instagram @sharonhmiller. You can get her books, Nice and Free Of Me at main retailers!