Practical Education

Image by WOKANDAPIX from Pixabay

This Thursday I completed a two week practicum! I have another two weeks of practical education to go before I’m back to the virtual classroom. 

During my second week I was invited to join a conversation when I moved in a little closer to hear what was being said. When I was asked if I was religious I responded that I’m a Christian. Then I was informed that one of my temporary colleagues was a Muslim and the other a Jehovah’s Witnesses.

I suddenly had this golden opportunity to share my faith. But I felt so ill prepared. In fact, I’m near certain It may have gone better if I hadn’t opened my mouth.

As believers in Christ we’re called to be ready to give an account for the hope we have. But I’m a bumbling idiot!  

“But in your hearts revere 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, keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behaviour in Christ may be ashamed of their slander.”

With a kind request not to be offended, my Muslim colleague spoke these words regarding the cross: “Okay, let’s say that someone murdered my mother with an axe. I wouldn’t wear an axe around my neck.”

Instead of explaining the cross, I blurted out, “But I don’t wear a cross.” 🤦‍♀️🤦‍♀️🤦‍♀️🤦‍♀️🤦‍♀️ 

Why did I say this? It’s not important whether someone wears a cross or doesn’t wear one. What’s important is what the symbol represents. 

I waited for my opportunity to explain further. I love to share my faith. However, I’ve never experienced sharing it in a face-to-face conversation like this before. I quickly discovered that it isn’t so easy. 

I did have an opportunity to speak about my beliefs (and the differences in our beliefs) with my Jehovah’s Witnesses colleague. I’m not sure I really made any sense and I think I glossed over (or watered down) some things I shouldn’t have.

This experience, however, turned my eyes towards the cross and set my heart and mind on things above. Yesterday afternoon I decided I’d start reading through “Mere Christianity.” again. 

As I began reading, I stopped to reflect on Mr. Lewis’ words. 

“If we do not believe in decent behaviour, why should we be so anxious to make excuses for not having behaved decently? The truth is, we believe in decency so much– we feel the rule of Law pressing on us so–that we cannot bear to face the fact that we are breaking it, and consequently try to shift the responsibility.” 

C.S. Lewis / Mere Christianity 

Those who deny the power of God (or the importance of the cross) shift the responsibility by focusing on their own perception, making the cross insignificant or making the cross look foolish… or even detestable. 

Maybe we do something similar, such as altering the truth of Scripture and using it in a way to suit our own way of living. But that’s not a life in Christ. 

When the meaning of the cross was blurred by an out of focus lens, I should have replied with something like this: For those who believe that Jesus is Lord, the cross is viewed as God’s mercy, sacrifice, grace, and love. We see a Saviour. Sometimes we may see our own shame and guilt for the ways we fall short and nail Him to the cross. However, simultaneously we can also experience joy in knowing that we have forgiveness and that our loving Lord Jesus paid the price Himself to release us from the bonds of sin and death.

The Cross 

For the message of the cross is foolishness [absurd and illogical] to those who are perishing and spiritually dead [because they reject it], but to us who are being saved [by God’s grace] it is [the manifestation of] the power of God.

– 1 Corinthians 1:18 (Amplified Bible) 

Please pray for my practical studies! Please also pray for the words to speak when I’m given the opportunity, and for those who’ve yet to believe. ❤ Thank you and God Bless.

—-Tina