04/17/26 TWO WITNESSING STORIES, VERY SIMILAR
I witness to people in various ways. Usually I am quiet, personal, conciliatory, loving but firm, but on fewer occasions I have been very to the point, unflinching, speaking loudly to a group, but still speaking the truth in love.
As I was talking with Martha about evangelism this morning, she reminded me about the time, fifty years ago, she and I with our very young son David, stopped for lunch. There was a table with law enforcers sitting next to us. At some point, someone started using profanity in their conversation. I waited, hoping that their sense of decorum would cause them to self correct themselves, but it didn't.
In those days it was illegal for people to use profanity in public, and very seldom did I encounter law enforcement using it in public. WOW, sadly, those days of decency and family values are gone.
On this occasion, I spoke in my usual demeanor. I got up from our table, walked over to their table, and stood in the aisle facing the officers. I greeted them warmly and respectfully, and then I told them that they needed to watch their conversation, especially since they were law enforcement. I pointed out that it was vulgar and offensive, especially since women and children were present. I pointed out that I was sure they were not raised that way and that they would not want anyone talking that way around their children, and also pointed out that everyone needs Jesus in their lives to clean their hearts and their vocabulary. Then I thanked them. Before I was able to return to my table, at least one of the officers stood, spoke up, and apologized, and he thanked me for talking to them. He reached out and we shook hands. I told him that I appreciated his response.
Years earlier, I was at a little restaurant with some fellow students from my Bible college. While we were eating, another large group of guys came in and crowded together at a table. They were part of the local pro-hockey team in the area. As we were eating, they became very vocal and very obnoxious.
In those days I probably weighed less than 150 pounds, soaking wet. But I never let my hulking size and intimidating presence keep me from sharing the gospel (hehehe). I got up from my table, walked over to their table, and greeted them. I asked about their game that night, and they chimed in with a report. I then told them that I was a follower of Jesus Christ, and I knew that He wanted me to share with them. I told them that God was not pleased with them using His name as a curse, but that Jesus died for them, and whoever would open his heart to Christ, God would forgive them and would cleanse their hearts and wash out their mouths. I pointed out that I did not think that any of their mothers would be proud of them talking in such a way, especially in public. I thanked them for listening and told them that I hoped they would enjoy their meal.
I turned to go back to my table, half expecting to be turned into a human hockey puck. But no one reacted. They quieted down, and we were soon finished at our table. We got up, paid our bill, and walked outside.
As we were standing at the front of the restaurant, I saw one of the players get up, leave his table, and head in our direction. I thought, "Oh boy, here it comes." I would not have fought him, not because of fear or intimidation, but because Christians don't fight, and certainly not as part of their evangelistic effort. As a witness for Christ, I did not fear what man could do to me, but I sure did not want to get beaten up.
He came out of the restaurant and walked up to me. He thanked me for saying something to them, he apologized, indicated that he needed to hear what I had to say, and shook my hand.
I hope that all of those guys have thought about that time someone confronted them about their sin and shared the fact that God could and would change them if they would turn to Christ.
