I have a bright yellow index card taped at eye level to the door I go out of to get to my car. On this card I have written the words of Colossians 3:12 to remind me whom I belong; that I’m about to go out into the world and represent Jesus. Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. (NIV) As I slip into my jacket, I pray that He will help me to make Him look good to others. Their souls may depend on it.
Sometimes, as believers, we get this right and sometimes we don’t. I encountered two incidents this week with two Christians who handled their situations with totally different responses, resulting in two different outcomes. The first incident occurred at the lumberyard. I chit-chatted with the customer in front of me; an acquaintance I had met once before at a benefit dinner for a non-profit organization. I knew from the conversation at the table that night that this man was a believer and active in his church. As he stepped up to the counter, he pulled the note from his shirt pocket where he had scribbled the dimensions of the board he needed. The clerk handed the note off to another employee who disappeared through a back door. In 5-10 minutes the employee returned carrying a board that the customer instantly recognized as being the wrong size – not even close. To be very honest, I was embarrassed and quite surprised by the way my fellow brother responded. He barraged the employee with insults as the younger man tried to explain his mistake of misreading the (scribbled) dimensions on the note. The clerk immediately promised the man a new board and this seemed to finally satisfy the agitated customer. I found myself being thankful my Christian brother was not wearing a T-shirt proclaiming his Christian beliefs. Had that been the case, I’m afraid his attempt at witnessing by wearing words on his chest would have been futile and even harmful.
On my second encounter, I was enjoying coffee with a friend at a local coffee shop. A couple I knew from church sat at the next table. We exchanged pleasantries as my friend and I sat down. Our coffee orders were delivered quickly but I noticed the couple beside us had not yet received theirs. I commented to them that they must have ordered an early lunch, but they said, “No, just coffees.” Several minutes later the husband had the chance to catch the waitress as she scurried by. With a calm demeanor and a smile he inquired, “We are wondering if something has happened to our order, we’ve waited twenty minutes and I see several others that came in after us have gotten their orders.” The waitress promised to go check on it immediately. Soon she was back to give them the unfortunate news. “I am so sorry, Sir… your order was given to another table. They are fixing yours now.” She again apologized.
The man grinned and replied, “Hope they like pumpkin spice.” The waitress relaxed. “We aren’t in any hurry, just don’t want to stay for lunch,” the man added with a kind smirk. “Thank-you so much,” the young woman said with genuine appreciation. I couldn’t help but think this man would have worn that t-shirt well.
The take home for me this week: don’t take that yellow index card down any time soon. I never know when I’ll face a trying situation in public. I am watched…not only by others, but Jesus sees it too. If I want to make Him proud, I need to be diligent with the reminders that He gives me. Just this morning in the devotional “Our Daily Bread” is a short prayer that sums up my thoughts. Life-giving God, thank You for Your Spirit. Please produce within me fruit for others to enjoy.
Until next time – keep on readin’ and I’ll keep on writin’.
Marlene
So very true, we need to be the ‘light’. I like how you mentioned good thing he wasn’t wearing a T-shirt. We, as Christians, need to give grace as we have received grace more than we can ever repay. Kindness, friendliness will plant seeds in people’s lives.
Keep writin’, you’re very good at it.