Last January, just after a Sunday morning worship service, I stopped by Trader Joe’s to buy a special dessert for a gathering of college students we planned to take them on an international mission trip last summer. It was a signature dessert from the very country we’d be traveling to, and I was excited to serve them something unique to this middle eastern culture. The friendly cashier commented on the new dessert they had just started carrying, asked me how my day was going, and what my plans were for the afternoon. It was a wide open door for conversation, but this is how I replied: “Oh, just buying a little food for some friends who are coming over to hang out later.”
A Missed Opportunity
I had also been preparing to teach through the book of Colossians for women’s retreat at the time. As I walked to my car in the Trader Joe’s parking lot, I knew I had not done what Paul encourages the Colossian church to do: “Walk in wisdom toward outsiders, making the best use of the time. Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person.” (Col. 4: 5-6) My Trader Joe’s cashier had given me an opportunity to share something about myself, but I had not made the most of the opportunity to say that I’d been at church and to at least identify myself to him as a Christian.
In all honesty, I didn’t want to experience the possible negative reaction he might have. The words “church” and “pastor’s wife” had shut down many previous interactions with people, and sadly I’ve learned how to navigate the conversation without ever revealing who I really am or what I really believe. I’ve mastered the skill of presenting my life in noble and interesting ways still acceptable to the very progressive and secular community I live in. I’m not proud of this ability.
Some of the apostle Paul’s other words immediately came to mind “For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of salvation to everyone who believes.” (Romans 1: 16-17) Had I been ashamed of the gospel in those moments? Had I withheld knowledge of the power of salvation from someone in that instant? Was I reluctant to be associated with the church? With Christianity? With Christ Himself?
Bring Up the Lord as Often as You Can
All of this reminded me of something one of my favorite seminary professors, Dr. Chuck Lawless, recommended in the area of faith-sharing and participating in the Great Commission: “Just bring up the Lord as often as you can.” It’s something he has done faithfully for many years with lots of wonderful results. It could be as simple as “I’ve been thanking God for this sunshine all day!” when asked how your day is going, or it could be as personal as asking someone how you could pray for them. It doesn’t have to be a full blown gospel explanation to be “walking in wisdom toward outsiders.” In fact, that might not be wise at all.
I suppose I was “gracious” to my cashier that day, but my speech was not “seasoned with salt” – adding value or flavor to the conversation. As far as he knows, I’m no different from anyone else shopping for a gathering of friends, and I missed an opportunity to identify with Christ, which is the most important aspect of my life. I don’t always miss the opportunities God allows me, but it grieved me to miss that one out of shame and self-protection.
The words of Peter encourage me to “bring up the Lord as often as I can” no matter the consequences: Who is there to harm you if you prove zealous for what is good? But even if you should suffer for the sake of righteousness, you are blessed. And do not fear their intimidation, and do not be troubled, but sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, yet with gentleness and reverence…” (I Peter 3: 13-17)