Mideast Crisis?

While working at Whole Foods I have had many opportunities to tell people why I moved from California (Read: paradise) to Dallas (Read: Metroplex of Dessolation). When they learn that I am here to study the Bible they often are unsure of how to continue the conversation. The words Pastor and Priest are loaded with negative connotations.

Recently in Dallas a rather famous pastor was convicted of smoking meth with and raping young women in his church and community. So people aren't sure what to think. It often leads to further questions. This is a good thing because it can open the door for me to share Christ. Sadly more often than not it doesn't.

For example:

"Why did you move down here?"

I am attending Dallas Theological Seminary.

"Oh yeah? Can I ask you a questions then?"

Sure

"Why is it ok for you Christians and Jews to kill all those Arabs over there in the Middle East?

Um...

"Well why is it ok?"

You know, I don't have an answer.

"Well that's ok. I shop here all the time and I'll be seeing you again."

Interactions like these used to trouble me. I used to wish I had something clever to snap back, but now I don't bother. Why? Because I realized that this customer wasn't asking me anything. He was looking for an argument, and wanting an opportunity to tell me what he thinks.

"in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander." 1Pet 3:15

I used to think that this meant learn as many clever arguments as you can so that you can set people straight. But now I am realizing that isn't necessarily true. Check out how Jesus handles a similar situation..

"They arrived again in Jerusalem, and while Jesus was walking in the temple courts, the chief priests, the teachers of the law and the elders came to him. "By what authority are you doing these things?" they asked. "And who gave you authority to do this?" Jesus replied, "I will ask you one question. Answer me, and I will tell you by what authority I am doing these things. John's baptism—was it from heaven, or from men? Tell me!" They discussed it among themselves and said, "If we say, 'From heaven,' he will ask, 'Then why didn't you believe him?' But if we say, 'From men'...." (They feared the people, for everyone held that John really was a prophet.)So they answered Jesus, "We don't know." Jesus said, "Neither will I tell you by what authority I am doing these things."

It's ok to not answer. The key is to discern the intentions of the one asking. Are they asking because they are genuinely seeking the Truth? Or do they just want to pick a fight?

I guess if I were to be like Christ I could have asked my customer..

"Why is it ok for Arabs to seek the annihilation of the Jews?"

But that wouldn't bear fruit either. Why? Because it might have lead to further argument. The Mideast Crisis is not a Crisis at all. It is a historical reality that has been around for centuries and is about much more than oil. Sure that is how it is currently playing itself out, but its deeper than that...

"So the LORD God said to the serpent,
"Because you have done this,
"Cursed are you above all the livestock
and all the wild animals!
You will crawl on your belly
and you will eat dust
all the days of your life.
And I will put enmity
between you and the woman,
and between your offspring and hers;
he will crush your head,
and you will strike his heel."