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I wonder how many times a non-believing human being, who at some point in their night was at “fill in social gathering here” and in the midst of a conversation about “insert sin here” one of the Christians in the group retorts with “insert relevant verse here”, immediately decided that this single verse, from this book they care nothing about, has changed their entire mindset on life and, because this “God” says its wrong, they are going to go home and repent.

Chances are… very few.

The importance of Scripture study can not be emphasized enough. It is what guides us as Children of God and Friends of Christ. I do however feel that the Christian community in many ways has often brandished the “Sword of the Lord” in quite the wrong context. Likewise, quotes and excerpts from famous authors, pastors, leaders, and evangelists are used in such a context that non-believers are supposed to know what we’re talking about.

News Flash!!! They don’t have a clue.

Most of them think that it was Moses‘ Ark and Noah who parted the Red Sea. To command scripture and quotes in such a way is much like bringing a knife to a gun fight. We may as well be coming to the table unarmed. Why not come to the table armed with an ear for listening? Or an eye for observing? Leave the script at home. Just bring a roll of tape, in case the mouth starts moving involuntarily. Because, let’s face it, it’s become a reflex.

We must gain the respect of the individual. Our books, authors, beliefs, and reasons will be respected when we have likewise respected theirs. It’s a game of chicken with eternal ramifications. Call me crazy, but if this commandment about loving others is as important as Jesus made it seem, then we better be growing some wings, popping a squat, and laying a dozen or so.