March 14, 2012

Will they know we are Christians?

The man’s displeasure is evident.

He grumbles on the walk through the doctor’s office, then rips into the technician. He had an appointment. Other people just walked in. He had to wait 20 minutes. He doesn’t appreciate the lack of service. Can’t people see that he is too important to be ignored?

Besides, he says, he has a meeting at 9.

The technician is apologetic and kind. I hope your meeting isn’t far.

About 15 minutes, he says. At his church.

The technician’s patience pays off and eventually he moves from boil to simmer. They begin talk of the horrific damage by the tornados. Turns out, they know some of the same people.

The man asks: Have you heard about any looters? 

I think, he says, we should line ‘em up, get out our guns, and shoot them all. 

The conversation continues as this new topic heats him back up and he’s off and running with a wide-ranging discourse on his views of law and order. 

I bet, like many of us, he was wearing his Sunday best the day before, singing from the hymnal and repeating the prayers. 

Of course God doesn’t prescribe faith in a once-a-week dosage. 

How will the world know we are Christians? By our love. 

I hope.