GOOD CONVOS
‘Live wisely among those who are not believers, and make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be gracious and attractive so that you will have the right response for everyone.’ Colossians 4:5–6
If you’re a believer or Christian or follower of Christ or person of faith, or whatever it is you tell yourself, I wonder how much you think of this scripture?
I know for me, I barely call myself any of those aformentioned names. I’d like to say that I’m a person of faith who’s just trying to get to heaven. I do catch myself in conversations with people who are not like me nor do they think like me and these are some of my favorite conversations.
While they seem uncomfortable at first, I find them exhilerating. They bring me life because they force me to learn. When I’m learning, I’m loving.
Take for instance a few weeks back when I was at the barber shop. I took Roscoe to a black barber to support all that’s been happening. When I asked DJ, “the barber,” how his 4th of July weekend went, his response took me off guard.
I was so programmed to believe that everyone loved the 4th of July weekend, but how misinformed was I? For DJ, he didn’t celebrate the 4th of July. Instead, June 19th was his family day for independence. He went on to tell me how he educated himself on both dates and why his family chose June 19th.
I loved the discussion. I loved his honesty and I was even more impressed that Roscoe was there to hear the whole thing.
But, I wonder how many Christians have gone into conversations like that and not used wisdom, compassion or any form of grace? The reason why the conversation was so powerful was because of the mindset I had of “learning.” I genuinely wanted to learn and hear the pain and progress of a family.
What sort of conversations are you preparing for today? Have you imagined what wisdom and grace look like? Are you quick to judge and quick to speak or are you looking to learn?
Last night I was scrolling through Instagram when I came upon a post by PreachersandSneakers. I don’t usually read their stuff but sometimes it catches my eye. Yesterday was one of those times as I caught them taking a “shot” at Joel Osteen.
If you don’t know PreachersandSneakers account, they basically bully pastors for wearing nice sneakers or clothing. I get it — but I don’t get it. Why does what a preacher wear matter to you? I actually think it doesn’t matter to them but they understand how many people are hurt by the church. They understand how to draw an audience through division and that is what they are ultimately looking for — an audience.
So anyway, they took a shot at Joel Osteen. Now I’ve met Joel briefly and I know bunches of people who know Joel, work for Joel and help support Joel. I’ve never heard any of these folks say anything bad about Joel. All I hear is that he’s the “nicest guy in the world.”
So, when PreachersandSneakers takes this shot, I’m pissed. I literally started to type my comment, “Hey guys, taking a shot at Joel is pretty weak. What if you’re dad had passed away and your mom battled cancer.”
I mentioned both his parents because I wanted them to get a sense of empathy. Their post was taking a shot at Joel because he flies on private airplanes. Let’s be honest, if you could fly on a private jet — why wouldn’t you? Plus, I couldn’t imagine how many people would try and disrupt his day if he was flying in a commercial plane and walking through a commercial airport.
But anyway, that’s what I wrote. However, I deleted the comment as I deemed it “casting pearls before swine.” What I meant is, PreachersandSneakers want the comment, they desire the conflict because they desire the audience. I could see the comment I posted would only fuel their desire for more gossip, hate and disunity.
Plain and simple. Maybe the comment would make me feel better, but it would only be used for more fuel to the masses.
This verse in Colossians is all about grace, compassion and wisdom. It’s not being silent about things but it is asking the right questions to the right people.
