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| Photo Credit: killmydaynow.com |
What’s a spot? A spot
is a situation conducive to personal, respectful and open communication where we
can begin to share our faith.
Spots come in lots of shapes, sizes and colors. They’re usually in casual settings where the
conversation won’t be interrupted by a meeting agenda or constrained by
someone’s schedule. Everybody should be relaxed.
Spots can be found on a train commute, watching the kids at
the playground, on the beach with friends, visiting people in the hospital or
at home, getting your hair done or
hanging out at a picnic. They could crop up at work in conversations about the
news of the day, sports or even the weather.
Sometimes spots happen with people we may never see again. A Christian friend tells how she and her
husband express their faith by assisting others in need – like helping
change a flat tire. In situations like this,
people will thank you and you’ve created a spot where you can tell them, “Your
welcome, but it’s our pleasure. We’re
Christians and we’re happy to have the opportunity to help!” Even if the conversation ends there, you’ve
left a positive message about Christianity and your actions will give them something to think about.
Look at it this way. First, there's a stereotype of Christians as being judgmental and bigoted that can be countered in a small way if people know they're being helped by a Christian. Second, many of us hide our faith under a bushel basket. Others are free to develop wrong opinions about us because we don't even identify ourselves, much less talk about our faith. Finally, non-Christians surely do good things, but Christians are impelled to do them as part of their faith..
Doing right and not taking bows is certainly biblical. But remember: the credit goes to God - not you - and if we're able to express that, we should.
Look at it this way. First, there's a stereotype of Christians as being judgmental and bigoted that can be countered in a small way if people know they're being helped by a Christian. Second, many of us hide our faith under a bushel basket. Others are free to develop wrong opinions about us because we don't even identify ourselves, much less talk about our faith. Finally, non-Christians surely do good things, but Christians are impelled to do them as part of their faith..
Doing right and not taking bows is certainly biblical. But remember: the credit goes to God - not you - and if we're able to express that, we should.
In long term relationships the “spot” can be used to open a
dialogue. Most of us don't have the power or influence to make people instantly drop all their
anti-Christian baggage and become Christians just because we brought it
up. But we can
create interest so they’re willing to pursue the conversation later.
Here are some thoughts.
First, you shouldn’t exhibit fits of rage, gossip, envy or other
destructive behaviors the Bible warns about.
Christians aren’t perfect, but we should clearly be operating on a
different plane from non-Christians. If
Christian faith hasn’t made a difference in your life, you have nothing to
offer and shouldn’t even look for a spot until your faith has made a change in you.
Second, non-Christians see the same societal dysfunctions as
Christians. If we discuss things they already know to be true, we can create
common ground that will let us segue into how we see things through our
faith. When these topics come up they
create spots.
Third, even non-religious people recognize the
anti-Christian bias in the media and many think it’s wrong. For example, a judge ruled he would allow a
school to display the Ten Commandments as long as the first four were expunged,
leaving six commandments that excluded any reference to God. When this sort of craziness happens, even
non-religious people see it for the secular cheap shot it is and spots arise.
Fourth, everyday conversation can create spots. When you’re asked how your weekend was, if it
involved church you should talk about it.
It shows your faith is important to you and may allow you to transition
into a conversation about spirituality.
Paul prayed for God to “open a door for our message” (Col.
4:2) and we should be on the lookout for His opportunities. Keep your eyes, ears and heart
open; spots will appear!
Next Christian Standpoint article: “Opening
the Conversation.”
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