I used to work in an office that had a diverse staff. I was
one of the few Christians on staff. One year, when I was on vacation, a new coworker was
hired. She was Muslim and had what she called a progressive viewpoint. While I
was out, she began to hear stories about the born again Christian who sat at
the desk next to hers. When we got to know each other, she told me that she had
been very concerned about working with a bigot. Thanks to God, my life was a
witness to His goodness, not to the negative stereotypes many people have of
Christians. I wish I could say I was an instrument in her salvation, but
although she hasn’t come to know the Lord, she has learned to respect the
Christian faith.
In that relationship, it was gratifying to know that she
didn’t speak against me because of the good life I lived for Christ. But that
isn’t always the case. And many Christians have suffered deeply – even died - for
the faith.
I have been mocked or ignored because I was living for
Christ. I suppose that is suffering of a sort, but I’m afraid I’ve usually
brought it on myself by the way I reacted to the non-Christians I worked with. Peter
says to defend the faith gently and respectfully; not one of my strengths.
This passage is like a sandwich. In between two sections
about suffering for the faith, it gives instructions about how to share the
gospel. The center of this sandwich is compassion. I recently learned the roots
of the word compassion. The prefix “com” means “with” and “passion” comes from
the Latin “passus” which means to suffer. So to be compassionate means to
suffer with someone.
I should be ready to give a reason for my Christian hope. But
I should do it because the people I’m talking to need hope, not because I
disagree with their viewpoint. As a follower of Christ I have opinions and
beliefs that are counter to the world. But I have to speak about the hope I’ve
found in Christ – not about the sin of others. When I do speak, I must do it
gently and respectfully with a clear conscience. I need to know that I haven’t
slandered, gossiped, attacked or threatened. I need to know I’ve represented
Jesus.
My hope is that even though I am a sinner, I have been
reconciled to God and can stand in His presence. My hope is that I am forgiven
and walk in fellowship with Him. My response to the world’s wrong ideas should
be that they too can be reconciled.
Great post. In the last few months I have been thinking a lot about the importance of using our words wisely. This was a timely reminder to be ever so careful in the workplace. People really do notice! Your post also reminded me that we can use our words to speak to the mind about sin, but only God can speak to the heart about sin. If God isn't present doing His work, our words won't have much effect.
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