How was your weekend?
What’s on the docket tonight?
You got anything fun planned today?
Package those questions any way you want, we’re a curious bunch and we want to know what’s going on in each others lives. But how often do Christians go all-in in the sharing of our plans? Are we shying away from the “small t” truth and missing the opportunity to engage the “capital T” Truth?
For instance, this weekend my plans include:
- A date night with my wife
- Taking my kids to the park
- Mowing the lawn
- Guest-speaking at a church
- Leading a small group on Sunday evening
Great plans if you ask me…
…seriously, what if you did ask me?
The reality is, I will be asked a post-weekend question like this on Monday. You will too! For me it will most likely take place at my local Starbucks where the barista will ask, “how was your weekend, what did you do?”
In that moment you and I make a snap decision. I can go “small t,” truth or the “Capital T,” Truth.
My “small t,” truth answer:
“It was a great weekend, did lots with my family and got a ton done.”
My “capital T,” Truth response:
“My weekend was full, I got special time with my wife, my kids and got to talk a lot of what the Lord is doing in my life with people from my own church and by guest speaking at another church.”
- Maybe we choose “small t” because of time?
One answer took me 2.6 seconds to answer. The other, a whopping 5.3 seconds. One answer left tons of room for intriguing follow-up questions whereas the first feels pretty closed.
- Perhaps we choose “small t” to avoid awkward silence?
I tried both today, one with my original order and the other on my refill (I may just have a coffee addiction?). When I gave my “small t” answer the barista replied “cool” and then we stared at each other in awkward silence. Whereas the “capital T” answer was met with a smile and and more conversation starting with “which church do you go to and which church will you be speaking at?”
My hope and prayer is that I will become a believer who looks to be a “capital T,” TRUTH-speaking Christian all the time. This is a core conviction I have had for the last three or four years and at my coffee shops alone I have moved from being just a customer to being a friend. I’ve had the opportunity to share the gospel with several baristas and patrons all because of a commitment to sharing the Truth and not just the truth.
Have you had the opportunity to turn an everyday conversation into a gospel-conversation?
Great reminder, Brian. I know that when I step out with big T truth the opportunity to know the other person(s) has increased too! They begin to let you in and vice versa. So easy to be self absorbed and keep to yourself though. It takes compassionate effort and ongoing relationship with the Holy Spirit to make it genuine and not just something artificial. Sometimes I even like to beat them to the “how was your weekend?” question because most people like to talk about themselves and what’s happening in their life whether they are religious or not.
Great post! As a coffee addict myself I experience these opportunities often at my local Sbux. The temptation to avoid “social awkwardness” and speak small “t” truth is always there.
Remembering to trust the Holy Spirit and the guidance he will give me in those conversations is what need to focus on.
The baristas at my local Sbux know my name and my drink. I hope for the relationship to build and for more chances to share the hope I have in Jesus.
at high school it is so easy to skip over the church stuff and only talk about the subjects that your friends want to talk about. Sports, girls, the party or movies are the most common monday conversations.
praying for boldness!
This is such an easy yet challenging post. I hope to start going into the SBux, instead of just going through the drive through. Then I can respond with the Truth to their answers instead of the truth answers that I normally give people. This really makes me think, Brian, and I want to make it an action instead of just a thought.
Great stuff all, I am pumped to read of others risking and/or desiring to be bold! Praying for you all!