3th June 2006

Christians Behaving Badly
By John Fischer

Today’s devotional may hurt a bit, but sometimes we need that.

I received an email from a reader who has followed my references to fellowship at a local Starbucks or other such establishment with a kind of insider curiosity because she has worked in two different Starbucks stores for 12 years. Unfortunately her report on Christian behavior in these stores was less than favorable. “Both stores brought the same scenario: Christians behaving badly. Having lived in the same area for 35 years and 28 of those years very involved with Christian work and fellowship, I know a lot of people who are Christians, including pastors and other leaders. It has been my observance that the majority of these people do not display their Christian kindness.” She goes on to note that she has seen people who were not Christians be kinder to the less fortunate, while observing Christians being rude, crowding in line, and being demanding and arrogant to such an extent that she has been ashamed of being associated with them.

I wouldn’t bring this up if I didn’t have a similar report from Christians who work in restaurants observing how poorly Christians tip. An article I published about this a few years back generated a large response from Christian restaurant workers around the country confirming this observation. Many of them have an extremely hard time trying to share Christ with their co-workers as a result of bad behavior by other Christians.

Folks, we’re not doing very well here. If we have a mission in the world (and we do) this is a poor way to go about it. Our behavior is our first line of witness. You can’t behave badly and then turn around and offer Jesus to people. It’s like leaving a fake dollar bill with the gospel printed on the other side as a reward for serving up a $60.00 table!

Listen to what Peter says: “Be careful to live properly among your unbelieving neighbors. Then even if they accuse you of doing wrong, they will see your honorable behavior, and they will give honor to God…” (1 Peter 2:12).

Let’s go out of our way today to be kind to those who serve us in public places. And for heaven’s sake, if you’re going to have church at St. Arbucks, stuff that tipping jar full, especially if you’re going to take up a couple of tables for an hour. Make those employees glad to see you come. And take some coffee to the homeless people outside as you leave.

Wouldn’t it be great if waiters and waitresses were clamoring to get the table where Christians are gathering because they know they will be generous, kind, courteous and fun to be around? And while you’re at it, ask how your server is doing. You may end up with a relationship that could change their life… and yours.