Pop quiz: Can you remember the name of the security guard at the place you worked at fifteen years ago? How about at where you work now? How about the name of the cleaning person?
Strange questions, right? Well, not really. As Christians, especially if we are ministers of the gospel, we are supposedly interested in all people. Too often though, we are only interested in the “-ful” people—beautiful, successful, powerful… If we are honest, we don’t often fare any better than Samuel did when he went looking for Saul’s replacement (1 Samuel 16). The Lord still has to remind us that “man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart” (1 Samuel 16:7).
I worked in computer support for twenty years before leaving it last summer to answer the call to pastoral ministry. One thing I learned early on was to get to know the four key people in any office: The receptionist, the security guard, the cleaning crew and the secretaries—the very people whom most of my coworkers over the years never paid attention to. Take Bob for example.
Despite his contagious, wide smile and grandfatherly gentleness, most of the people in the company I worked for back in the mid-1990s totally disregarded Bob. To them he was just some old guy night watchmen–the retiree rent-a-cop–who came on shift as we were all heading home for the day.
He was fifty years older than me, but we became office buddies. Every day I talked to Bob on my way out, sometimes for almost an hour. He was a great guy with a fast wit. We would shake our heads in disbelief when he would say goodnight to someone heading out the door and they would not even acknowledge him! It was as if he was invisible and to them he was. Now really, is that any way to treat a retired Secret Service agent who guarded four different presidents and had the 8×10 glossies to prove it? Of course, they never took the time to learn that about Bob…
Bob was certainly an exception, but he is still a good reminder of what (or who) we can miss when we treat “the least” the same way everyone else treats them. And what about opportunities for the gospel? Just tonight I was able to give a gospel tract to one of the catering staff at a function. These are the people who usually only get attention when the hors d’oeuvres tray is empty. Believe me, I don’t say this to boast—I miss more opportunities than I take—but the point is the same: Look for those people everyone else over looks and then get to know them!
Excellent thoughts, Anthony.
Thank you Anthony . . . this is a beautiful post.
The idea of ‘respect’ and ‘the dignity of the human person made in the image of God’ is a theme that needs to be re-examined closely by the followers of Christ who may be tempted to act, as the world does, towards others by ‘kissing up’ and ‘kicking down’.
Thanks again. Your post is Christ-honoring and thought-provoking.
“Your post is Christ-honoring and thought-provoking”
Mission accomplished! Praise the Lord! 🙂
Thanks Christiane!
This story reminds me of the recent Valarie Jarret dust-up. She was at a dinner and glanced over her shoulder to tell a waiter she needed more wine. It wasn’t a waiter she addressed but a four-star general. So many people live their life as if there are people on this planet who are there only to serve them and they don’t even bother to make eye contact or even bother to make sure the person they’re demanding service from is the actual server. This is something I strive to teach my kids wherever we are. Take a moment to look people in the eye, to give them a genuine smile and thank you. Sometimes God will use casual encounters to plant seeds of the Gospel or just to lightnen someone’s day. The worst thing is for people to treat people poorly and then they climb in the car with the Jesus sticker on the bumper.
So true, Bess! I love the Valarie Jarret story too. I’ve met a couple executives of Fortune 500 companies. One had no problem getting on his hands and knees at a conference to help clean up a safety hazard on the floor. Another used to make his elderly secretary come in and check his email kneeling down at the computer beside him! Love the bit about the Jesus bumper sticker–so true!
Anthony, my heads roiling around with this idea that we spend so much time communicating through “technology” that we’re losing the ability to connect with real life people. My husband and I tease the kids about using their phones for texting – “You know that you could actually TALK to someone on that thing? You know, hear the other person’s voice?” Also I think that the world moves so fast that people tend to spend so much time in their heads that they fail to actually look up and notice all the people who cross their paths in the course of the day.
Yup. We’ve gone from writing heartfelt personal letters, to semi-heartfelt emails, to text messages…nowadays a parent might say “good night” to their kid simply by reading their kid’s updated Facebook status of “goin 2 bed” and clicking “Like”!
Guest Blogger: And what about opportunities for the gospel? Just tonight [1] I was able to give a gospel tract to one of the catering staff at a function. These are the people who usually only get attention when the hors d’oeuvres tray is empty. Believe me, I don’t say this to boast— [2] I miss more opportunities than I take—but the point is the same: [3] Look for those people everyone else over looks and then get to know them!
Norm (AKA bapticus hereticus): [1] Attention? [2] Maybe a good thing for those with perceptions that it is all up to himself. How about we practice a bit of notch control? If not, the message by most is, ‘please ignore me, otherwise you either embarrass me or place me in a position of discomfort while I am trying to do my job.’
Again, folks, if following Christ is the most important decision that one can make, then let’s treat the process for such with a bit more seriousness rather than employ cheesy, impersonal, drive-by, or cute methods that undermine the message.
[3] Absolutely! Then what we share in terms of formal conceptualizations might actually mean something to another.
Norm, I don’t think Anthony is implying that we use every casual contact with anyone we come across to present a full gospel presentation. We should always be open to any opportunities because God does bring us in contact with people for a purpose.
As Christian’s it is our responsibility to be aware of other people as people equal and worthy as we are ourselves are worthy. Make eye contact, remember please and thank you. Don’t just treat the waitstaff as you’re own personal slaves. You don’t keep people from performing their jobs, but you shouldn’t just treat people as if they are invisible and you deserve service because you are superior. When you have opportunites with people you come in contact regularly you should make an effort to get to know them. Always be aware of opportunites to plant seeds of faith that someone else may have an opportunity to nurture to bloom. The people in our lives are not there by mistake, but by God’s design. It’s not about anything I do or don’t do, but God will graciously allow me to participate in His plan if I stay awake enough to recognize the opportunities He gives me on a regular basis.
Bess: … God does bring us in contact with people for a purpose.
Norm (AKA bapticus hereticus): I agree with much of what you write, Bess, and will chase a rabbit with the above comment. That we are in the particular place in a particular moment that God would prefer is not a given, thus assigning all experiences as being of primary purpose (even if good stems from it) is an open question, but given the interpretations that we would grant for our being, it is unlikely that any of us would assign all experiences as being primarily purposeful; yet given we always find ourselves in a place at a particular time, something of value can be derived, nonetheless. Thus the past is always potentially useful in leading us to the next place in which the experience may be described as purposeful in a primary sense. That being said, all behavior is purposeful, psychologically speaking, that is, given a chosen behavior is initially thought to meet some perceived want or need, ethical assessment notwithstanding. That the behavior is purposeful does not preclude it being at cross-purposes to what is in our best interest, however.
Even if one grants that contact between believer and unbeliever must be a purposeful occasion, it does not follow that any discussions or mention of religion are or is mandated. Perhaps all that is desired is for one to act decently and appropriately given the occasion. That, in itself, in many contexts, could speak volumes, but such could be undermined with an ill-timed conversation on matters best left for another day or person. Let’s not assume that in life that we are the star in all scenes that we find ourselves; we might find a bit more humility, a good thing, by accepting the reality that in most scenes in which we find ourselves, we really are only a bit, yet important, player. No shame in playing that well.
Well, given the fact that you believe that people of other faiths (muslims, etc) are saved by God apart from personally, consciously placing their faith in Christ (that’s called inclusivism), you’re more than welcome to not share the gospel with folks you meet since, by believing what you do, you demonstrate that you don’t know the gospel. In other words, I hope you keep your false gospel to yourself.
It includes you, Joe; can it be entirely false?
Actually, no, it doesn’t include me. I will get to heaven only becaue of God’s grace. I trusted Christ to save me. I know Christ is my Savior.
Inclusivism is entirely false because it contradicts God’s inerrant word.
Norm, again I don’t think anyone is advocating tying up the waitress at Denny’s and forcing her to read a giant Bible we’ve toted about. It is REQUIRED of us as Christians that we act “decently and appropriately given the occasion” If I have any ability to act decently and appropriately it is ONLY because of Christ in me.
Yes it is possible for Christians to be overzealous and use inopportune times in presenting the Gospel. Yes Christians can and do evangelize for the wrong reasons. BUT God can take our mistakes and our bungles and bring about fruit. The Word doesn’t go out void. It’s because it is absolutely not about me or my power of which I have zero, but about the Power of the Gospel unto Salvation. We have to be and I think are required as Christians to be alert to the opportunites to show Christ to others whether it’s just being kind and decent or actually sharing the Good News.
And Norm I think you’ve missed the entire point of the original post which is that we need humility and we need to recognize our own humanity more, so that we can treat those which society may deem as less, as Christ would have us treat them. It’s exactly the opposite of thinking ourselves the Star who deserves the service and work of others on our behalf.
Bess, please forgive me for disagreeing somewhat, but if I felt that tying up the waitress at Denny’s and forcing her to read a giant Bible would bring her to Christ — pass the rope and I’ll bring the Bible 🙂
On a more serious note when Jesus taught in a parable to “go out into the highways and byways and COMPEL people to come in,” that word “compel” is interesting. It is a compound word formed from the root of the word meaning arm, and the word, constrain. Thus, constrain (distress, bend) an arm.
The problem people have with what they consider “agressive” forms of evangelism has no validity based upon Scripture. It arises, I suspect, from one’s own fear of being rejected, ridiculed, or made to feel uncomfortable.
I’ve given out a lot of tracks over the years (in fact my business card has a short plan of salvation on the back), and never (NOT ONCE) had anybody be offended.
Bess: And Norm I think you’ve missed the entire point of the original post which is that we need humility and we need to recognize our own humanity more, so that we can treat those which society may deem as less, as Christ would have us treat them. It’s exactly the opposite of thinking ourselves the Star who deserves the service and work of others on our behalf.
Norm (AKA bapticus hereticus): Bess, who said anything about putting a Bible in one’s hand? I believe the material given was a tract, which in the setting described is inappropriate. Second, to the major point about knowing people (and treating people with respect), you will notice from [3] that I am in agreement with Anthony, but raised questions about the nature of respect, given [2]. Third, you did read where I spoke of humility? Thus, if such is the case and the point is humility, then, pray, tell, where do I miss the point to which you share is … humility? Having a somewhat different perspective on various points is not to miss the points of a discussion; it is simply to differ with another’s perspectives on the points under consideration. I don’t know your experience, but mine is that there are some espousing every encounter with another is a wasted encounter if the gospel is not verbally shared or shared via tract. Gospel drive-bys … and many times in one’s own neighborhood.
We moved to a new neighborhood in a new city, and some nice folks from a local baptist church came by, unannounced, to win us for Jesus. Upon entry into the living room, one person began a ‘come to Jesus presentation’, and my dog began his getting to know you routine, as some dogs are so given. A bit rude of my dog, but no more rude than the visiting individual assuming both too little and too much. We let him talk. And we let the dog rub as he was able. No, they didn’t get the point. I guess they left feeling satisfied, nonetheless. Can’t speak for the dog.
I think we agree Frank. We need to live our lives looking for the opportunites to present the Gospel. Obviously you can’t go too deep in the line at the grocery store but at times in a restaurant that’s a little slow you may have a chance. For our family we always ask our server if there is anything we can pray about for them at our blessing. Many many times we have servers who will have something they would like us to pray about and that leads an opportunity to talk more and or/least leave a track with a nice tip. Our church provides us with cards to leave with phone numbers for help and prayer. I don’t think there is ever a wrong time to present the Gospel – it’s a question of how much can you present. In those instances I always think that I’ve planted a seed that God will use when another Christian comes along with more time and a better setting to go deeper. The Holy Spirit is active and preparing hearts and I think and it is up to us to take advantage of those opportunites where we see them.
Now Frank you should probably be careful about tying up the waitress at Denny’s as the other customers may prefer that she’s about the business of getting their food, but of course if you barricade the door you could just “have church” right there in Denny’s. Nourishment of the soul is certainly a priorty over nourishment (especially of the Denny’s variety) of the body. 😉
OK Norm, I get you now. No giving a tract is not inappropriate, but it sounds like you have all sorts of rules and regulations about presenting the Gospel which actually means that you think the Gospel presentation is about the person giving it and not about Power of the Gospel itself.
The story with the Baptist and your dog shows your heart and it’s not humility that you showed in that instance or are showing now that you are laughing about the poor fool fundalmentalist that you allowed into your home but didn’t think you had any obligation to show a commen decency of controlling our dog. There are others here who will find that amusing that you sure showed “dem crazy wacko fundamentalist types”
Thanks, Bess. I never thought about barricading the door. New technique 🙂
Norm, I don’t know what crystal ball you use to determine the “Guest Blogger’s heart” is “cheesy, impersonal, drive-by, or cute.”
I also suspect you very rarely ever have a serious conversation with someone that leads to a life-changing, eternity changing, repentance bringing encounter with Jesus Christ.
While I don’t want to judge you too harshly according to your character, I think this is a reasonable assumption based upon 1) well-established statistics, and 2) your words expressed in numerous blogs.
The fact is that 95% of those who self-identify as a “believer” NEVER share their faith with another person in an entire life time — “cheesy, drive-by, cute or otherwise.”
Most people we encounter in life we will never encounter again. Many may die before a next possible encounter. To offer a Word of Truth, or possibly a tract to stick in a pocket, seems to be a loving act in the highest order if one truly believes in eternal damnation for those who die without encountering Christ as the Lord of life.
I must confess I’ve done what you call “cheesy, drive-by, impersonal, or cute” in trying to move others closer to an eternity changing encounter. I’ll give just one example.
13 years or so ago a young adolescent found a “cheesy, impersonal invitation” to a Pizza Pig Out during a “cheesy revival event” at our church. He picked up that invitation off the ground and came to church. He heard the gospel and made a decision.
Over 20, maybe even 30 people came to know Christ as a result of his on-going witness — including his abusive, alcoholic father. I often receive random phone calls from this young man to let me know how much he appreciated a church people who were willing to invite a young, lost child to a Pizza Pig Out.
So, I would only suggest that we not disparage the attempts of others who earnestly believe that they should try to share truth with others to whatever degree the circumstance will allow. I don’t think you, Norm, are qualified to determine what efforts God will (or can) bless to bring others to Himself. I certainly don’t think you are qualified to determine the motives of those you do not know.
I realize this is just my opinion.
Frank you’ve reminded me of the experience of one of our best friends who is just one of the sweetest most genuine Chrisitan women you could ever meet.
She grew up in an abusive non Christian home. This is back in the 70’s when the church gimmicks were at a height and it was all about numbers. Her local church was in a competition with two other churches for a period of Sundays to see which church could outdo the other in SS numbers. This church evangelist at her neighborhood church walked the streets of the neighborhood (this was in the days when kids were literally out playing in the streets and alleys til dark) This cheesy stereo typical evangelist walked up and down the streets trying to encourage kids to ride a big purple school bus to church because he wanted the numbers to win this contest. Every Sunday was a new gimmick – give aways to the kids, the evangelist would swallow x number of goldfish for every 100 kids, bus bucks the kids use for candy and toys. Just think of every church gimmick and it was going on at this church. Well that was my friends introduction to Christianity. That church with all it’s crazy gimmicks and the evangelist who she later found out was having an affair with mutlitple women of the church became her safe haven from her abusive home. She gladly got on that purple school bus every Sunday and ate up the stories of Christ who loves and a way to esacpe the fires of hell that she’d heard about and was petrified of going to. She came to know Christ and her entire life was changed. She met her husband there and they have three beautiful children they homeschooled with the oldest in college with plans to go on to seminary. Everything that we would think today that could absolutely be wrong about the way to do church -that church did, but at least one life (probably more) were changed. To God be the Glory, because it is NEVER about us but about the Power of the Gospel unto Salvation.
Frank L: Norm, I don’t know what crystal ball you use to determine the “Guest Blogger’s heart” is “cheesy, impersonal, drive-by, or cute.”
Norm (AKA bapticus hereticus): At best, Anthony is indirectly mentioned, but do notice the focus of the comments is on what ‘we’ can do, not what ‘Anthony’ has done or what ‘Anthony’ should cease to do. I was once a player of cheesy, impersonal, drive-by, and cute methods of evangelism, often found in and celebrated by SBC congregations. I don’t know if it is due to becoming wiser or older, probably older, for I make no claims to wisdom, that such methods are now seen as being disrespectful to the individual that we espouse to have concern. That something works is not sufficient reason for doing the something. Something else could work, too, and better, and that something else could be more consistent with the message itself. Secondly, nothing, absolutely nothing was stated about the Guest Blogger’s heart. I assume it is fine. Cheesy, impersonal, drive-by, and cute address methods, not persons.
Anthony,
Good points. It just could be that one day we will be suprised at how God values those who serve, as opposed to those who live to be served.
Those who serve also present us with great opportunities to witness, if we do it right; treat them with respect, give a tract, and a bigger than usual tip.
David R. Brumbelow
David,
I couldn’t agree more here.
I worked as a waiter putting myself through college. I generally had to work Sunday mornings which did not bother me, but I got to witness quite a few encounters between servers and people eating lunch after church.
I cannot tell you how many times people left a track in lieu of a tip. One even had the audacity to leave a handwritten note of “this is worth way more than any amount of money I could leave…” I also remember a young waitress messing up the order at a table and apologized profusely. A man at the table replied, and I quote, “Miss, we were blessed this morning at church. You have just ruined that blessing.”
Working in the restaurants provided me with ample chance to forge relationships, share the gospel with some, but I tried to model it the best I could so if I never got the chance to share, at least I could try to show. Sunday mornings often derailed my efforts rather than helped it.
However, I do agree that if you’re going to leave a track at a restaurant, leave a larger than expected tip.
Absolutely.
Norm, interesting observations. If I am reading your comment correctly, you are correct that if we do things to draw attention to ourselves we are doing them for the wrong motive.
There are natural times when a conversation can turn to the Gospel (such as Jesus and the woman at the well) and times when it is simply not appropriate to get into it (such as taking up a server’s time straining to make conversation during their busy times). In those cases, as David creatively suggests above, maybe a generous tip and tract are the way to go.
I would echo Bess’ comments above (well said, Bess, btw). Summarily, my article is about making sure we simply take the time to see the people so often overlooked as the real human beings they are. Other examples might be the airline agent at the counter, bank tellers, and pretty much anybody who works retail.
Thanks!
Anthony, powerful reminder. May God use this post to challenge us all to see others as He sees them. selahV
Thank you, selahV.
These are the people in the world my heart is closest to. Even if Bob wasn’t a retired Secret Service agent and had nothing apparently significant in his life to speak of he would still be valuable in God’s eyes.
I was overseas recently. I can’t tell you where, but my companions and I were at a restaurant with some local ministers, men who were taking the gospel to the local worker’s camp. Being men, they only had access to the men’s worker camp, but to date there had been no way to reach the women’s camp.
Parenthetically, the worker camps house poor laborers from other countries. While technically free, the workers are little more than glorified slaves who come with hopes of working for decent pay, but who quickly find out that life and pay are not what they expected. Yet they still must work out their contracts.
As we talked, our waitresses picked up on the fact that we were Christians. They came to us and shyly asked if we had a Bible in their language that they could read. We spoke with them and found out that they were from the women’s camp that we were trying to reach. We didn’t have any Bibles for them at the moment, but the local minister we were with could certainly help them.
Now it’s true that they came to us. But what kind of opportunities do we miss by not speaking to even the lowest people in the world? It turns out that our waitresses that night are now contacts for the local ministers into the women’s camp. How many women now have access to the gospel who didn’t have it because of these poorest of women, virtual slaves in a foreign country with little hope of any meaning for their life outside the gospel? And yet they have been given by God as an opportunity to reach thousands with the gospel.
God bless you, Pinky and Michelle.
Jim,
You’re exactly right. As it happened, I got to know Bob before I knew about his previous career. While we can ooh and aah over that particular kind of unique career, it is also a reminder that every person we meet has some wonderful stories in their lives.
Thanks for commenting with that story. The Lord is so amazing in how He organizes the advancement of His Church!
Thanks again.