This post is from warm, sunny, and beautiful Ft. Worth, TX. I'm wearing flip-flops in February which can't be beat. Anyways, I'm back in the place where I lived for 3 years to attend the C3 Conference at Fellowship Church. A few thousand people will be in attendance so it's not uncommon to run into people at the rental car place, airport, and local restaurants who are in town for the conference.
While in line getting my rental car the couple in front of me (wearing shirts with their church name proudly displayed) mentioned to the employee assisting them that they were in town for the C3 Conference. They asked if he attended church anywhere and suggested he check out Fellowship Church if he didn't.
Then the conversation took a severe turn for the worse. As they went through the contract agreement the church couple began to become agitated and verbally inconsiderate toward the employee. As their voices rose to "hey, what's going on over there" levels they accused the employee of trying to cheat them along with other disparaging remarks.
They soon completed the transaction and were on their way. I was thankful as I stepped up to the counter that I was not wearing anything remotely churchy and made sure to skip the fact that I was in town for the same conference.
I am afraid people who conduct themselves in that way do more damage for the Kingdom than they do good. I would venture a guess that the guy behind the counter won't ever make his way to Fellowship Church and might not seriously consider attending church anytime soon. Unfortunately, others who arrive at that same ticket window and mention what conference they'll be attending run the risk of being painted with the same brush.
All this to say, be cool when you are representing God (which is always for believers). Conduct yourself with dignity and treat others with respect. If that sounds Biblical, it is.
Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear. And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you. - Ephesians 4:29-32 ESV
While in line getting my rental car the couple in front of me (wearing shirts with their church name proudly displayed) mentioned to the employee assisting them that they were in town for the C3 Conference. They asked if he attended church anywhere and suggested he check out Fellowship Church if he didn't.
Then the conversation took a severe turn for the worse. As they went through the contract agreement the church couple began to become agitated and verbally inconsiderate toward the employee. As their voices rose to "hey, what's going on over there" levels they accused the employee of trying to cheat them along with other disparaging remarks.
They soon completed the transaction and were on their way. I was thankful as I stepped up to the counter that I was not wearing anything remotely churchy and made sure to skip the fact that I was in town for the same conference.
I am afraid people who conduct themselves in that way do more damage for the Kingdom than they do good. I would venture a guess that the guy behind the counter won't ever make his way to Fellowship Church and might not seriously consider attending church anytime soon. Unfortunately, others who arrive at that same ticket window and mention what conference they'll be attending run the risk of being painted with the same brush.
All this to say, be cool when you are representing God (which is always for believers). Conduct yourself with dignity and treat others with respect. If that sounds Biblical, it is.
Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear. And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you. - Ephesians 4:29-32 ESV
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