I had an appointment to perform a pest service with a client on Thursday. I texted him on Wednesday night to confirm our time frame. At that time, he had invited me to an event that evening. I told him I could not make it as I attend Bible study on Wednesday nights. He asked what denomination our church was, and I told him that we go to a Southern Baptist church called The Way.
When I arrived at his house the next day, church came up again. He asked me why I didn’t just do yoga and “forget all that crap.” He went on to explain that he was able to travel the world practicing yoga. I was really shocked by what he said.
As I went to my truck to grab some equipment, I wrestled with my thoughts as to how to handle this situation. Normally, I would just let it go. I’m not one for rocking the boat. This time I felt different. I decided that I would not ignore what just happened. Instead, I would simply ask why he thought Christianity was “crap.” When I went into his backyard, I was surprised at how easily the words came out. I was clear and calm. He immediately apologized for the way he conveyed his statement. However, he continued to explain why he followed yoga. My response to all this was why I followed Jesus. This led the gentleman to numerous questions.
We talked for over 90 minutes. The flow of topics naturally brought us through the Gospel. We discussed how God is perfect, what is sin and who is Jesus. I was incredibly surprised by the answers coming out of my mouth. There was no hesitation. I didn’t even have to think. As our conversation continued, he would bring in his thoughts on the matter. The position of his heart was made clear by his statements. They immediately brought questions to my mind. I asked and allowed him to explain. These responses triggered follow up questions, and we would continue. I really felt like something was going on when I noticed him backtracking and stumbling over his words. The strangest part of this for me was my peace and clarity.
I have never had a conversation like this before. There was no objective. I had no intentions of trying to steer our topics one way or the other. I simply listened and responded. We had a very deep discussion concerning the challenges of world and spiritual views. I felt strong about my answers to his questions, along with the questions presented to him. There was no harsh tone or bitterness. We had a real and meaningful conversation about God.
In my personal studies, I have been reading about how Jesus is the Word of God, and the Holy Spirit is the Breath of God. In Matthew 10:19, Jesus explains to not be anxious about how you are to speak or what you are to say because it will be given to you in that hour.
That day I felt the Holy Spirit with me. I’m not naturally clear or at peace in those type of situations. But looking back, I would say the Holy Spirit prompted me at my truck. It required a step of faith by asking a simple question. And so, I would encourage you to listen to what people around you are saying because a question is the best way to get a conversation going.