The Devil in Church People

[rockytopva]

I would have asked, “Why is it arrogance?”

But more important than that I would have approached it dramatically differently. That passage in Colossians would likely have been my last choice to witness with.

Before I continue, I want you to know that I am not trying to put you down or diminish the courage it took for you to share Jesus. I am writing this in hopes that you might do a better job next time.

I also want to list another source just in case you just don’t like me.

https://www.amazon.com/Tactics-Game-Discussing-Christian-Convictions/dp/0310282926/ref=nodl_

So, now that I’ve gotten that out of he way, I’m going to provide some harsh criticism.

What you said did in fact sound like arrogance - especially in the presentation. You did it while he was doing his job. You didn’t bother to ask him ahead of time if you could talk to him about something and wait until you had his full attention. Your preaching was directed at him as an inanimate object. You were pleased with your presentation. You chose a passage not written in plain English. He had to ask the question for you showing that you really didn’t care what he thought.

Don’t preach to people while they are doing their job. Just don’t.

Start by asking an innocent open-ended question such as “What do you know about Jesus?” It is not accusatory and is worded in such a way that the other person doesn’t think you are trying to trap him or her. The question doesn’t seem to have a right or wrong answer. From there a conversation can continue depending on how he answers.

There is a difference between preaching and testifying. I felt led of the Holy Spirit to say what I did and am glad I did. But, that was the first and the last of the decade I worked with the man that I said anything to him at all pertaining to Christ. I am in hopes that he remembers what I told him and makes a turn for Christianity.

 

[HankD]

A few references come to mind:
Acts of the Apostles 5:1-11, ". . . But a certain man named Ananias, with Sapphira his wife, sold a possession, And kept back part of the price, his wife also being privy to it, and brought a certain part, and laid it at the apostles' feet. But Peter said, Ananias, why hath Satan filled thine heart to lie to the Holy Ghost, and to keep back part of the price of the land? Whiles it remained, was it not thine own? and after it was sold, was it not in thine own power? why hast thou conceived this thing in thine heart? thou hast not lied unto men, but unto God. And Ananias hearing these words fell down, and gave up the ghost: and great fear came on all them that heard these things. And the young men arose, wound him up, and carried him out, and buried him. And it was about the space of three hours after, when his wife, not knowing what was done, came in. And Peter answered unto her, Tell me whether ye sold the land for so much? And she said, Yea, for so much. Then Peter said unto her, How is it that ye have agreed together to tempt the Spirit of the Lord? behold, the feet of them which have buried thy husband are at the door, and shall carry thee out. Then fell she down straightway at his feet, and yielded up the ghost: and the young men came in, and found her dead, and, carrying her forth, buried her by her husband. And great fear came upon all the church, and upon as many as heard these things. . . ."

1 John 5:18, ". . . We know that whosoever is born of God sinneth not; but he that is begotten of God keepeth himself, and that wicked one toucheth him not. . . ."
(Romans 4:15; 1 John 3:4; 1 John 3:6; Romans 6:14)