High in the atmosphere, in a turbulent mixing of moist air with frigid winds, little crystals begin to grow around small particles of dust. As they grow outward like spokes, they form symmetrical shapes that we call snowflakes. These snowflakes gently tumble to the ground, covering it with a white blanket that insulates and protects plants and even certain animals from the icy winds of winter.

In another large cloud, amid gusty winds and flashes of lightning, a different formation occurs. As droplets of water freeze together, a small mass of ice appears. Eventually it becomes so heavy that the winds can no longer hold it up, and it plunges to the ground below as something we call hail. The size varies, but even small pieces have caused great destruction of crops. Larger pieces have demolished cars and homes, and even caused the death of people and animals.

The same element—frozen water—but how different the forms, and how different the results. One is beautiful in form, falls gently, and protects wintering plants and animals. The other is coarse and formless, falls hard, and wreaks destruction everywhere.

How like two kinds of Christians in this world. One is formed gracefully, and is gentle, kind, compassionate. The other has the same elements, but gathered through mere rubbing shoulders with Christians and the circumstances of life; and such a person often is a destructive force in the world, violent and uncaring, bringing the character of Christians into disgrace.

Which kind of Christian am I—snow or hail?