I was out the other day, donned in blue jeans, a bomber jacket, and a baseball cap (the outfit in which I'm most often mistaken as a junior high student), replying a text message from a friend.
I know what you're thinking --maybe it's time for another "distinctively feminine" blog post reminder. ;-) In my defense, though, it was a really, really cute bomber jacket... and I was having a bad hair day... and haven't I mentioned that I'm just not perfect, and that some mornings, the baggy blue jeans call my name with their comfort-promising siren song, and the nicer jeans, slacks, and skirts are muted in the cacophony??
Back to the main point (as jeans have very little to do with this particular post), it was one of those days where I just wanted to fade into the background. That's not hard for me to do, even in the friendly south. I'm a soon-to-be college junior, going on twenty, who writes in her spare time and lives at home with her family - a nondescript, unimpressive job description, to be sure. I'm sure I look like a normal American student.
Sometimes, I stop to think that everybody we pass on the street has a life story. Some of them have painful pasts. Some of them are suffering through hardships right now. Some of them are on top of the world because they just got news of a new job. Some of them are grinning because they found out they're pregnant. Some of them are struggling with poverty. Some of them are filthy rich. Some of them are Christians, just like me, my brothers and sisters in the Lord. Some of those things we can't tell just by looking at a person.
In my baseball cap and jeans, with my book open, if you saw the title, you'd know that I was a young political conservative (or a young liberal who was reading Napalitano to broaden her perspective) --aside from the assumptions one might make based on my brown skin or the style of clothes I was wearing, it's not much to go on. I stopped to think about that one day when I watched as a sweet Vietnamese shop-owner that I've spoken to a million times went over to the Buddha statue that I'd never noticed sitting in the corner of her shop and took a burger out of his lap.
I had to look away to avoid staring. My grandmother was a practicing Buddhist while my father was growing up, and we had just had a conversation with Daddy several weeks ago about the custom of feeding the Buddha idol. While I've seen Buddhas before, this moment caught me off-guard for some reason. How many times had I looked at this lady and never wondered if she knew the Lord? How many times had she looked at me and not known that I did know him?
World famous atheist Penn Jillette (of magic duo Penn and Teller fame) said something once, after being handed a tract by a Christian man after one of his shows, that I tend to think about in times like those, despite that this man is still a violent hater of Christianity:
"How much do you have to hate someone to believe that everlasting life is possible and not tell them?"
In that moment, I thought, not only of my verbal proclamation of the gospel, but the way I had behaved in that sweet woman's presence -had I been an example of the fruit of the spirit? Had I guarded my tongue? Had I don't anything the entire time I'd frequented her shop that marked me the way her little statue marked her?
Regrettably, I didn't know. I honestly didn't know. I'm not one to don WWJD bracelets or "Jesus is my Homeboy" tees (whole 'nother blog post there), but next time I see that lady, will I guard my speech? While I won't put my hands on her shoulders and stare intensely into her eyes and deliver a twenty-first-century treatise akin to Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God, will I take opportunities to shift the conversation towards my faith? Simplest of all, will I pray for her? Not as a high and mighty Christian who's got her life altogether and pities the poor, lost Buddhist, but as a fellow sinner who needs to lean on the grace of our everlasting God alone for salvation (Matthew 28:19ff)? Not as a perfect human being who has all of the answers, but as one who truly believes that God's Word is truth, and that we are hopeless without His saving grace (John 14:6)?
I can definitely do the last thing. And when I'm walking through the streets of my hometown on one of those "incognito" days, I will work on lifting my eyes up from my cell phone or the book I might be reading long enough to see -really see -the world around me. And to notice the hurting people that I come in contact with. And to be an ambassador for the healing Christ I serve, everywhere I go, in word and in deed, in carriage and in countenance.
22 thoughts shared:
This challenged me... Thank you!
Here's a scenario for you. Years ago I locked me keys in my car during a very cold, snowy and windy February day. Thankfully, I had managed to get a hold of my FIL to come rescue me. While I stood outside my car waiting for him, freezing, a junky old car pulled up and a rednecky man rolled down the window with all concern in his eyes and asked if there was anything he could do for me. When I assured him and his wife that my FIL was on his way, they offered to buy me a hot chocolate to keep me warm. I thanked them but declined since at the time I couldn't have chocolate or coffee or caffinated tea. After much reassuring and thanks I sent them on their way. Christians? To be honest, I believe they were more of the Sunday is for football crowd.
A little while later another car pulls up. The window rolls down and I can see in the car that they are members of a local old paths church (distinct dress.) He asked if I locked my keys in the car and I confirmed this and said my FIL was on his way to get me. He handed me a chick tract and said, "Here's something to read while you wait." I thanked him and told him that I'm a born-again Christian. He looked me up and down (I was wearing jeans, they're denim-jumpers and khaki skirts only) with a slight sneer and looked unconvinced. His kids stared at me like I was growing horns out of my head. His wife wouldn't look at me. He said little else more and drove away.
Someone close to me who was unsaved at the time once told me that some of the most selfless people he encountered weren't Christians. I wanted to protest but had to agree.
Thankfully, since that time the Christians in our circle have joined the selfless, hospitable crowd and loving the saved and unsaved alike enough to speak God's Truth is more abundant, at least in my church.
It is easy to just hunker down in our walk with God, put blinders on and hope that our outward appearance and general demeener is enough of a witness. For me, this is a challenge because I grew up in a "mind your own business" kind of family in a world where you "don't offend someone else with your own beliefs."
What a thoughtful post, Jasmine!
You cited, "How much do you have to hate someone to believe that everlasting life is possible and not tell them?"
I had to stop and reread that a second, and even a third time. Once I had, I sat back, stunned. Of course, this is exactly what I--what all of us do, when we as believers do not share the Good News.
My goodness; you certainly know how to wake a person up in the morning! But, seriously, thank you for this reminder.
Humbling and convicting. Thank you.
Wow. I agree wholeheartedly. That question that I heard sometime last year kind of startled me, because it wasn't what I was expecting from a non-Christian. But, you know, it really makes me think, how convincing are we? That's probably not even the right word. Do we glorify God in every aspect, even when we don't know if other people are watching? Or are we living for ourselves? Do we make our calling and election sure, do we live in such a way to 'prove' Jesus Christ - which btw, He doesn't need 'proving' because He is God, but do we prove Him true in our own lives, our very day-to-day existence? What do others see? Do we give them something to be desired? We have 'problems' and difficulties in our lives as well, but do we respond to them differently? I guess it's just because recently when I've bowed under pain, become discouraged so easily at the circumstances in my life and complained about things I cannot change, I'm realizing and being convicted that this isn't the way I should be - this isn't living to Christ. This isn't a life saying that to die is gain - because in fact, to die to myself would be gain, if I would get rid of these wicked attitudes that wants me to be seen, that wants others to know my misery and wants to inflict it on them as well...you know? I'm probably the only one, and then I feel so failed that I've not lived as I should, but ever thankful for *grace* that calls us back, that rescues us out of the mud and the mire.
This post was greatly encouraging and thought-provoking to me. I just listened to your dad's message on DVD with my mom yesterday, 'The Culture Wars', and a lot of what you said here resonated in a way with what he was preaching on yesterday. There is no neutral ground and we are either for or against - and the question is *what* ground am I on? Or rather, what ground to others see me as being on? I want others to see Christ in me - well I say that at least - but if I'm living to myself they are surely not going to see Christ. Oh may God help me and deliver me from this self-living and let it be selfless living for Him!
Thank you Jasmine. =) I appreciate your wisdom and discernment, and your thoughts. =)
Love you!
I don't know if this fits in exactly with your post, but we have thought a lot about how we could possibly reach some unbelievers who seem too hard hearted to be saved.
We as a family decided to step out of our comfort zone, and allow the Lord to use us by showing hospitality to unbelievers. My husband works with a lot of VERY foul, crude, christian hating men who aren't afraid to bash on my husband for his faith.
Last week, we invited one of these men and his wife over for dinner. We didn't preach at them, but they obviously witnessed Christ in us. Ever since our dinner with them, this man has treated my husband completely different, stopped cursing, and has even asked my husband a few questions about God.
There is hope that this family will come to the saving knowledge of Christ! I am so thankful that our lives are a testimony.
It is nice to be able to blend in and not be noticed sometimes like you said, but at the same time, when our Christian faith makes us stick out shine brightly in public, I am thankful for that. We never know who could be watching us, and what kind of impact our lives can have on unbelievers.
Thank you for always writing such good posts! I enjoy every one of them.
Reminds me of this song:
"All those people going somewhere
Why have I never cared
Give me your eyes for just one second
Give me your eyes so I can see
Everything that I keep missing
Give me your love for humanity
Give me your arms for the broken hearted
The ones that are far beyond my reach
Give me you heart for the ones forgotten
Give me your eyes so I can see
I’ve been here a million times
A couple of million eyes
Just move and pass me by
I swear I never thought that I was wrong
I need a second glance
Give me a second chance
To see the way you’ve seen the people all along"
Jasmine,
We are enjoying the Homeschool Dropouts DVD - thank you again!! :)
Wonderful post! So true and very thought provoking!
I often look at people around me and try to read people's story and life, but not enough, look at myself and see what I portray to the people around me.
Thank you for this wonderful post!
Much love,
Leah
Beautiful!
~Cinnamon
Hannah,
I love that song! I thought of it too. Every now and then I have to remember that God sees people differently then we do and that I have to look in love instead of just looking away. :)
-Rachel C
Wonderful post, Jasmine.
Marcy
Another wonderful post, Jasmine! And very convicting. I so often just want to be my quiet little self when there is such a great life to live for God's glory! We have a pastor staying with us for the weekend and he preached about true worship and marks of a true Christian. 1) Christians are joyful and 2) they want to share that joy.
Coupling that with your post, I think God is trying to get my attention!
Soli Deo Gloria,
Jenn
Thanks for putting love for the lost in a new light--a personal light. I think I would also be shocked to see someone I had conversed with actively worhsipping an idol. And that quote by the "Christian-hater" got to me as well--I just heard from a young man of how he shared a quick Gospel and gave a tract to a cashier. The next week, his dad sought her out, went to her lane, and asked if she had become a Christian. She replied no, so he in turn gave her a quick 30-second encouragement. That very night she accepted the Lord!
I must also add that Kate, your scenario was eye-opening as well! No matter what my convictions on dress, I need to be gracious and loving toward others with whom God has not worked in the same way in that area!
Hi Jasmine!
Thank you! I needed that.
I apologize for the length of this, in advance. My goal is to encourage you and then share with you how the Lord used your words to convict me.
1) Encouragement Re: "Had I done anything the entire time I'd frequented her shop that marked me" (as a Christian): Let me encourage you: Certainly, though He "prepares good works" that we may walk in them that others may glorify our Father in heaven, what came to my mind was how impossible it is to "hide light" in darkness, which surely Christ is, in you. Also, the phrase, "they'll know we're Christians by our love," which I have no doubt was evidenced in you at various and sundry times, in her shop, when you perhaps displayed charity (as described in 1 Cor. 13), without even thinking, by being kind and suffering long (perhaps waiting patiently in a line) or by treating her with a respectful tone or word when checking out, or by not putting yourself forward or behaving yourself unseemly, (as so many young people unfortunately do these days, making those who don't, stand out all the more).
I pray (for myself) that by spending time with Christ and by His Spirit living within me, there will be formed unconscious habits of love, meekness, and winsomeness, so that, even when I am not "conscious" of it, others may see Christ in me.
2) Re: "the baggy blue jeans call my name with their comfort-promising siren song" etc.: "Me thinks thou dost protest too much"? Why? Because I protest too much. Your defense reminded me of recent times when I've been defending myself--which has happened too many times recently. This is what I'm asking myself, or God is convicting me of: (Please understand I'm not saying you were wrong in what you did or said, but I have been. And this is how my conscience is stabbing me): If I have to give an explanation and excuse for what I am wearing, which I have done lately on more than one occasion--(or make excuses for what I'm doing)--am I doing *all* "to the glory of God" and submitting *every* part of my life to Him--*every* moment, *every* choice? Or am I just living for Him intentionally *most* of the time, but every once in awhile I want to just do what I want to do. I want to decide. I want *my way*. I just want a "break" for awhile. I don't want to think about whether I'm living so that I could say, like Paul, "Do what I do, just follow me." God convicted me that I'm holding back areas, (parts), of my life, to myself. The book "My Heart, Christ's Home", speaks directly to this. The "areas" aren't always the same: Sometimes it's activities, sometimes clothes, sometimes food, sometimes habits, sometimes the end of the day, sometimes the beginning, or sometimes a whole day--but my actions say, "This is mine. I'll decide on this one." I'm "punched out" on the timeclock, so to speak, as far as being His representative, His servant, His. This is "me time," or I close my eyes, ears and mind, figuratively, and my actions basically say, "No, I'm not going to think about what you think of this, Lord, please don't even ask me, I want to do this, and, after all, what's it really going to hurt anyway," "This is for me"--"I just need this..." "I just want this..."
I don't think I've consciously rebelled, I've just listened to--fed--my flesh--what "I" want. I haven't even brought these areas (a thought, choice or act) into the light where it could be evaluated!
So, now I'm asking Him, "Lord, gently please, if you will, show me what areas I've been holding back from You?"
Love,
Mrs. Gunn
(May God bless you, Jasmine, for being an instrument in God's hand in my life today.)
Very thought provoking and a good reminder. Thanks!
This cut to my heart today. I won't soon forget the message. Thank you.
Thanks for writing this post Jasmine! It spoke directly to my heart.
I liked what Kate said. Sometimes I back of from witnessing because I don't want to be like *those people* and totally scare people away.
Someone from my church made an interesting point one time. He said,
"Why is it that you can walk into a bar and everyone is your friend, but you walk into church and nobody even says hello?"
It's sad, really.
Beautiful... :)
Love~ Jen
Amen sister. I also think of these things when I'm out sometimes... I wonder what my influence is really like to the people around me. I pray that we would not hide our light.
So true, Jasmine. My dad once told me something. He said, 'If you were put on trial for being a Christian, would you be proven guilty?' I love that way of thinking of it. Do people look at us and know that something is different? Thanks for all your thoughts!
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