1 Peter 3:14-15 (NIV)
¹⁴ But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. “Do not fear what they fear; do not be frightened.”
¹⁵ But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, 

I heard some disturbing news this week, One of my kids ( actually one of the kids that come to our youth group) recently got a job at a local deli. Her job is to simply bring the sandwich to your table and ask you if you need anything else. Simple right? She is a very bright kid that is trying to make good and  I applaud her effort. So, right now you’er thinking so what? Well here is the deal.

Last Sunday this so called “preacher man” comes in with a group of people and was very rude and mannerless. Apparently it took to long to get “his” order and when she set it on the table the sandwich was not in the center of the plate. And so begins the rant “young lady do you know that I just finished teaching the bible? I am a man of God and you are to treat me with respect.”” I require excellent service so take this back and start over.” All the while this group of “christians” looked on and shook their heads in agreement. There was more but you get the drift. 

So, right now I am mad; well that isn’t true I mad as hell! “preacher man” It Was A Sandwich! Instead of being concerned about your fat belly you should have been concerned for the young lady that brought it to you, You have NO idea what she has been dealing with or have far she has come. She has had pressure on her that NO seventeen year old should ever have to deal with. I have personally known her and my wife and I have come to love her very much. 

She has been coming for a couple of years how and her faith journey has been amazing and one of the things that was hard for her to overcome was people like you. WHY? Why? why? couldn’t you and your group simply been Jesus to her? Christ like? maybe even prayed for her and her situations?

Why didn’t you defend the faith? Why didn’t you love her? and why are you so concerned about your position that you had to declare it? (This what the Pharisees did) Why didn’t you simply serve her?

 ( this is what Jesus did) You said you teach the bible surely you have read the part where Jesus says “love God and love People.” I wish I knew who you are because I would love to have a conversation with you and maybe you could get “saved”. 

Maybe you have wondered why so many people have left church? Short answer: because it doesn’t look like Christ.

                                     Jesus draws people, religion rules people. 

People need a relationship not rules. People need Christ and the Church needs to be Christ like. And you know what the really cool part of this story is She forgave you “preacher man” You see she has had people around her that have taught her the bible and she knew what the right response was. This is a lesson you can learn:  Love your neighbor as your self. Pretty cool for a seventeen year old. 

Preacher to Preacher I hope that I never treat one of your sheep like you treated mine. Here’s a tip be ready to defend the HOPE you have within you, BUT do so with gentleness and respect. Hey I think thats in the bible too. and thats the way I see it I my market.