Behaviors outside of Church

Good morning and Happy Wednesday,

So, the other day, I was in the drive-thru line to get a peppermint mocha (decaf).  I get decaf because I think the Lord gave me caffeinated blood cells, so when I drink caffeinated drinks, I tend to bounce off the walls. But anyhoo… I am in this line, excited to get my coffee, when I notice the car in front of me, ends up getting their coffee through a different method. You are probably wondering what method? Well, I couldn’t see what happened, but I think the cashier tripped while trying to hand out the coffee; the next thing I saw, was a large iced coffee flying onto the outside counter and into this woman’s car. I instantly covered my mouth, as if covering my mouth, would send us all back in time to redo the entire situation.

All I could think was, I would have been very upset if that was me…. But what I love about the beauty in humans, is the lady in the car was laughing. She didn’t get angry; she didn’t say disrespectful words to the cashier. She actually was asking the cashier, if she was okay. Of course, the cashier apologized numerous times, as she wiped the coffee off the drive-thru counter. 

The point of today’s message is simple. How do you behave outside the church walls? Would you have been rude (abrupt, blunt, uncivil) to the cashier? Called her names? Wanted to speak to the manager and complained (or even shouted) how awful she was? Or would you remember that God shows grace towards you, and have a change of heart, to show grace towards her?

Honestly, I am not sure I would have been nice, like the lady in front of me; though, I am very glad the Lord reminded me to extend (spread, share, cover) the same grace that I have received to everyone, every day, even on my bad days, even with spilled coffee, even with botched food orders, and even when I am right and the other person is wrong (or so I would like to believe).   

God shows His grace to us on a 24/7 basis (not just occasionally). Why? Because the Lord is the God of grace at all times.  

So, I ask you…. how is your behavior outside of Church? How is your behavior when your children aren't watching? How is your behavior when someone cuts in front of you?

Is your first response to allow the Holy Spirit to respond or your flesh?

Have a Happy July 4th!

Read the entire I Corinthians Chapter 15.

I Corinthians 15:9-10 (The Message)  “I don’t deserve to be included in that inner circle, as you well know, having spent all those early years trying my best to stamp God’s church right out of existence. But because God was so gracious, so very generous, here I am. And I’m not about to let his grace go to waste.”