Tuesday, January 16, 2007

Could You?

I heard a seminary professor tell a story about eating dinner with a famous evangelist just before a large evangelistic meeting. The two were eating dinner when their waitress spilled water on the evangelist. The evangelist became furious at the waitress because of the accident. He began to belittle her to the point of humiliating her.

After the waitress left the table, the professor said to the evangelist, "I dare you to share the gospel with the waitress." Of course, he knew that he could not say anything to the waitress after the way he had spoken to her. He was too ashamed, and rightfully so.

Trying to share the gospel with someone that you have treated like dirt borders on blasphemy. What would that person think of your Lord? A life of integrity, kindness, and humility makes the message attractive. Anything else is counterproductive.

(To give credit where credit is due, someone under the name "tjclaud" posted this on a message board I read occasionally.)

This is a great reminder to us in our everyday encounters. That includes your spouse, children, waiters and waitresses (whether they are good looking or not...), telemarketers, fast food employees, and the guy from the cable company.

That doesn't mean there will not be conflict. It just means you need to conduct yourself in a way that would not undermine the ultimate message you want to share and live.

We take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.
2 Cor. 10:5

Lord, help us all.

5 comments:

Mike Morton said...

Great point. AMEN!

Jeanne said...

That's good stuff! I have been asked by my students for years to explain the book of Revelation to them. I've always told them that I have never really studied it and rarely read much from it because the "end times" are not my biggest challenge in this life. My biggest challenge is loving others the way Jesus loves me.(John15:12) Until I can do that consistently, the "end times" will just have to take care of themself! Great posts! Reminds me of one of my favorite quotes:

"Treat people as if they were what they ought to be, and you help them to become what they are capable of being."

Brenda said...

I love this post! This could be used in so many situations. The question would be....do I have guts to say what that person said to the professor?
I'm going to start looking for opportunities like this as well as ask myself that very question! I think it may change my attitude in certain situations.

Carrie said...

HI Shane....
How are you loving the weather? You are from up North so this should be a peice of cake for you:)

I love that post.....we have to be aware of how we present ourselves to others if we call ourselves Christians.
Thanks for the good reminder:)

Miss you all!!!!

Shane Coffman said...

Good idea regarding Revelation, Jeanne. Let's focus a little more on the most important rather than getting wrapped up so much in the trivial.

Brenda - I hadn't even looked at it that way. But, because of your comment, know that I had a conversation today where that came to mind and I was called to be bold. Yes, you were whispering in my ear at that time (scraped up face and all).

Carrie - Are you icy in Arkansas, too? Yes, I'm comfortable on this stuff. But I've seen some pretty crazy drivers around me the past few days. We miss you guys greatly!