I got a letter recently, it was from a listener who was unhappy with me about the way I handle certain things on the show. I answered her back and we actually had a nice exchange.
But, that letter got me thinking…are we aware of how we appear to other people? I never would have thought someone thought of me as she and (she said) her husband thought of me. I believed that I came off as fun loving but caring and encouraging. Believed I was talking about my life to encourage others and that everyone knew I meant well.
So, I began first to wonder, how do other people see me - and then I started thinking about how other people see US as Christians.
I was reading some comments that were on a news story on the web recently - people commenting on a story that had to do with Christians getting together to do something for our city. What could possibly be negative in their comments - right!? Wrong! It was so disheartening to read what they thought of us as Christians. Now, they are people that don’t believe what we believe - but that wasn’t what they were talking about - it was about us as people! How we act and interact with others. According to a number of people, we don’t work and play well with others….
We were described as angry, judgemental people. I was hurt to read it…but began to wonder, is there some reason that they are getting that picture of us? Are we walking in our daily life as representatives of Jesus?
I read an article about restaurants that talked about wait staff not wanting to wait on people dressed up after church on Sunday because they are the most demanding, hard to please and worst tippers! OUCH! I’ve witnessed and heard even in the parking lot at church before and after Bible Studies and services that people are rude to each other - won’t let people in and act like it’s a competition to get out first! We’re still in the church parking lot!
Are we treating the wait staff at the restaurant after church with respect and like people that just came from the presence of the Lord? Are we bullying our way through the parking lot or traffic? When we discuss issues in news and politics are we speaking with grace? Even as passionate on issues and beliefs that we may be - we’re still supposed to be compassionate, caring, and giving.
I’m aware sometimes you can do your best and people still assume what they will - that’s not what I’m talking about…I’m wondering how much of the fact that people see us (Christians) as judgemental and hard to please is something we’re earning. We’re supposed to be the only Bible some people read - the representative of Jesus (The Light of the World) how are we doing?
October 7th, 2009 at 9:06 am
I agree about Sunday eaters. I used to be a waitress, huge families would come in and leave hardly any tip if at all. And I have seen trash in the streets leaving church that I know was from one of our events. It is disheartning. On another note, sorry any one said any thing about your personality. I love it and your laugh makes me laugh.
October 7th, 2009 at 8:23 pm
Well I dont have time to listen to you guys because of my classes, but I love listening to you guys when i have the chance. I love that song you guys play in the morning, so cute. But about the Christians who are only that way at church, is so true. I was trying to talk to someone who was a Christain and he just blew me off. I was trying to share things that we have in common,. He just blew me off, i was hurt so badly because I dont have very many friends as it is. So yeah it hurts when people who are Christains dont act like it. I am guilty of that at time, just when I have had a bad day, or just to tired to care. But i do i just have to stop and think
October 9th, 2009 at 10:19 am
I agree with you one very aspect. Thank you fo rbeing who u are…..
October 9th, 2009 at 5:29 pm
I have worshiped the Lord in one individual church for about 33 years now — a church which
initiated a merger in June of 2008. I frequently encounter some who supposedly were followers of Jesus who claim to have been betrayed by fellow followers of Jesus.
In my early 20s, the Lord revealed specific ‘public square’ questions I now ask to learn
more about the background of the wounded person, their previous home church and
home town. Particular individuals became “angry toward God” after “taking up the
offenses of others” in their childhood years. A second group of individuals experienced a variety of violations during said childhood years without knowing how to tell their
parents besides never knowing how to “guard their hearts with the help of the Lord” following such traumatic experiences.
I won’t give percentages or estimates … I believe a great company of broken, wounded –
spiritually hungry — minimally established followers of Jesus yearn for their Lord to ‘bandage’
then “medicate” the private spiritual and emotional wounds that hinder complete trust in
God’s love, the ability to totally forgive — or their willingness to be generous to the unlovely
and unlovable?
Just saying. Lawrence
October 10th, 2009 at 8:36 pm
Dear. Susan some time what we say can make other mad or dislike us. but even Jesus had to say what God the father. had his say. if other that are of difft. belive want to place there feelings. well they have to use the rigth one.
October 11th, 2009 at 10:05 am
I think it is fairly realistic to sometimes be confronted with a perception you find is less worthy than what you hope you present as a Christian, and a leader. Different people, with different situations and backgrounds hear the same thing, different ways. That said, you appear to be truly authentic and quite empathetic of the wide range of topics and issues that stream before the two of you on a daily basis. You also possess a gentle sense of humor that you even use on yourself showing you can be quite humble. That’s a nice mix. Yes, it is reasonable on self reflection to review your own behavior and comments. However, in the role you are in, you have been put there by God, the station, and your listeners, and you have to believe for the most part, you are doing and saying exactly what the Lord has called you to be. As a newcomer to Houston, missing home, it has been a pleasure to listen to the station. Thanks.
October 11th, 2009 at 5:36 pm
i dont no about tips and all of that other stuff ,but when people do think of as that way rude ..but sometimes they treat me that way because they know that the word of god is true..when i preach or talk to them about it they want to listen but there to cool. for it or its a waste of time..they do know that the word of god is tru but they want ignore it cause then people well think of them as the goodie person…so they think of us as rude and mean people..but i think some christin people have there days..i mean nobody is perfect…just because were christians we are still sinners we try are best to do the right thing..
October 12th, 2009 at 8:31 am
Dear Susan, This is a very different topic. My husband and I had tickets to see Third Day on March 27 in College Station, I bought the tickets the day they went on sale. My husband has come a long way in his walk with Jesus because of Third Day. He did not grow up in a christian home, said the bible was written by men with a wild imagination and there was no heaven or hell. I have been listening to KSBJ since 1993 when I saw a bumper sticker on a car in front of me. He starting listening a little bit of and on. Then on day he hear a song by Third Day, I dont remember which one it was and he changed his life. He loves their music and tells everyone he meets, you need to listen on Third Day. Mac has the best voice he has ever hear and all their songs will deliver you and set you free. We were so excited about meeting the band but my dad died of a heart attack on the day before the concert. I told Greg that he could go the concert with our other friends and fly to Mississippi on Saturday because I know he had been waiting for this day since he found out he would meet the band. He said no that God would have another time for us to meet the band. As I sit here and write this letter, tears roll down my eyes because I remember that horrible day but I also remember how unselfish my husband was to say no, I will be here for you. We have Third Day tickets and I was wondering if there would be anyway possible to meet Mac and all the wonderful guys of Third Day. My husband’s birthday is on November 2nd and I could not think of a better birthday gift. Thank you Susan for your time, your ministry and your love for all of us.
October 14th, 2009 at 11:08 am
I think as Christians we must remember that we are all family. In a family we are all at different maturity levels. It is no different for our Christian families. In every healthy church you will have your mature leaders, teachers, and patient encouragers as well as the “kiddos” that wait on the pastor to do all the feeding in one hour to last the whole week! It takes time to learn how to be Jesus to others. It is so much easier to be pointing at others as often children do. God deals with all of us Christians as we are ready and able to mature! I think Jesus is looking good on you, Susan! Love, Kelly
October 18th, 2009 at 11:06 pm
Susan: I listen to you and Mike every day on my 30 mile drive to work.. I love you both, but there is more joking and playing around on the show, and listening to your personal life, rather than to encourage others, pray for others, and reading of the WORD. God is the most important thing to me, and I had rather spend my time getting ready for the day by the WORD and uplifting praise music.
October 19th, 2009 at 7:11 pm
We have become so busy these days we have taken our eyes off Christ and have them on worldly things. We must renew our minds daily and dwell in the Holy Spirit for in him comes love and a refinement .I have found through that love that i am more sensitive to those around me.Hey Susan have you been doing any stand up lately?If you are we would love to come see you,Thanks for being a servant,blessings from above,Shackdaddy.