Last week, I had the opportunity to meet Tony in Love Park. Tony is man in his 50s, smart, well-spoken, and possesses an infectious smile. As I tried to share the Gospel with him, everything made me think that we would really hit it off. We began by talking about "lighter subjects": sports, Philly, the weather. However, as I began to ask him about his religious beliefs, I felt an immediate guardedness on his end.
Do you go to church?
Yeah, I've been, but I haven't been in a while.
Do you believe in Jesus?
- Yes.
Do you believe you have salvation after you die?
- I don't like being charted.
Each question I asked triggered greater defensiveness. In the end, Tony's conclusion was that I was "charting" him. Another word for "charting": judging. I think this is an obstacle that a lot of Christians face as they share their faith with others - especially when ministering to the homeless, who are often associated with such terms as "pitiful," "hopeless," "self-destructive." In any mercy ministry, it's easy to look down on others, even if we don't mean to. A prayer for us all: God, help us to be humble so that we may be used by you.
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