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Is That Falcon Red?
The other day I was checking out at Publix. For some unknown reason, this Publix does not have self-checkout registers, thus hindering me from my attempt to get in and out of a grocery store as quickly as humanly possible with minimal interaction. I love people, but not as much when I’m grocery shopping. Every now and then though, it’s worth it. The man working the register looked over at this lady about to walk out, noticed her very bright red sweater and said, “Is that Falcon red?!” She looked back and said, “Yeah, it’s Falcon red I guess, but it’s also the blood of Jesus red!” I laughed as he just grinned and said, “Oh, okay. I got you.” Then I laughed some more.
I would never think to say something like that. It can make things a little weird when you say things like that, but I’m not so sure that’s a bad thing. What does it do when you make some connection between what is around you or being talked about and God? It makes some people feel weird, yes, but it also gets into their heads. What if you made a connection between the sky, sand, trees, working, hobbies, athletics, money, clothing, or other individuals and God or some Biblical teaching? You’d be speaking a little more like Jesus.
As Jesus conversed, he looked at what was around him and taught others about God and being a disciple. As he walked around the cities, he noticed different types of people and used them as examples. When he was asked his thoughts on divisive subjects, he might ask if someone had a coin to prove a point or write something on the ground. Later, the apostle Paul would utilize people’s understanding of boxing, running or warfare to help teach as well.
I don’t want to be thought of as a weirdo or someone that makes others feel awkward. But more than that, I don’t want to intentionally avoid a subject just in case someone out there thinks I’m weird or awkward. I’m afraid that, too often, I have avoided saying something for my own benefit. Instead, my focus should be on how I can benefit others by what I say.
Just consider the circumstances that you could find yourself in that would allow you to do this. Someone talking about a problem at home (marriage, problems with children, or even sibling issues) could easily open a door to discuss what God says about the subject. Political issues (just because the election is done doesn’t mean we’re done having those conversations) can easily lead to focusing on Biblical truths. Tough decisions a person might face, disagreements at work, or even conversations about sports could open a door for a comment geared towards God/Jesus or spiritual thoughts.
One thing I do want to point out is that it’s not about making a point. Doing this is meant to get others thinking. It’s meant to help change peoples’ outlook and perspective. It might be something that causes them to think for 5 minutes. It could give them something to chew on for the rest of the day. Or, it could lead to an actual conversation. Even if they don’t think about it for one second, it’s having an influence in some small way.
The next time I wear something very red, I’m probably not going to compare it to the blood of Jesus. However, the next time I have the urge and opportunity to draw a comparison of my surroundings to what is spiritual, I want to take it. The next time something is said in my presence that grants me the chance to remind/teach someone what is in the Bible, I ought to speak.
