The End of the Story

     Right now I'm in the middle of reading The Remnant trilogy (which I highly recommend). I love good stories, and this is definitely a good story- the kind where I'm anxious to keep reading to find out what's going to happen, but at the same time I don't want to read to fast because I know I'll be sad when it's over.

     I've also been reading through Daniel during my daily Bible study. For me, it's a familiar book, but this time through I've been noticing different themes than I have in the past. Through the stories of Daniel and his friends, Nebuchadnezzar's dreams, and Daniel's visions, there is a repeated emphasis on human kingdoms vs. God's kingdom. Mighty rulers and nations come and go. They may exercise great power for a time, but their rule is temporary, and God is sovereign over their rise and fall. By contrast, "[God's] dominion is an everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away, and his kingdom one that shall not be destroyed." (Daniel 7:14b)

     I once knew someone who used to start any book by reading the last chapter first. That's definitely not my preference; I like stories that keep me guessing, but to each their own! I suppose reading that way does have its advantages though. No matter what difficulties the characters may find themselves in (assuming the book ends happily), you can relax. You may not know HOW he'll get the girl... how they'll find their way home... how the bad guy will be defeated... but you know everything will be alright in the end.

     While that may not be my preferred method of book reading, I'm struck by the reality that that's what life is like for us as believers.  Every day the news is full of more crazy headlines. What's going to happen? We just don't know. Our lives are full of global, national, and personal uncertainties that are often the cause of anxiety or fear. But in the midst of all that seems uncertain, God is sovereign. Nothing is outside His control, and we look forward with confidence to the day when His kingdom will be established, and we will be with Him forever. We may not know the middle of the story, but we can face unknowns with courage and hope because we already know the ending!

That Girl on the Phone

A good friend of mine works for the facilities department at the seminary Zack attends. If you live in student housing and call with a complaint, she's likely the person you'll talk to. Often when she and I catch up, she has some new story about a conversation or encounter with a tenant (names never included!) The level of jerkiness blows my mind. Sometimes the complaints are valid; at other times, ridiculous, but what gets me is how impatient and downright nasty people can be. I suppose that's life in customer service, but still, this is a seminary. The people calling are here studying to be pastors, missionaries, and counselors. You'd think things would be different than in some generic apartment complex.

I'm not saying that Christians are perfect. We're not. That's why we need Jesus (but that's another post for another time...). We are called to represent Christ though.2 Corinthians 5:20 says "Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making His appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God." We are ambassadors by identity. The only question is, will we be good ambassadors? We may try to emulate Jesus in our interactions with our family, neighbors, church friends, etc, but what about the people we encounter only briefly in our daily lives? My friend at facilities is a person with feelings; with good days and bad days. Like me, she's a student's wife, and the mother of a sweet baby about the age of my own. But for those calling with a maintenance issue, she is often merely "that girl on the phone," there to be complained at; to bear the brunt of their frustration and displeasure. Christlike behavior is often the last thing she receives.

Here's something to think about: What if, after your interaction with the server who messed up your order, the shopper who stepped ahead of you in line, or the customer service person helping you navigate your problem, you had the chance to share the gospel with them? Would they be open to listening, or would they be instantly turned off based on your attitude toward them moments before?

 How do we represent Christ? If we are Christians, we are Christians always. We don't get a pass just because the voice on the phone doesn't know who we are.