1.29.2006

I strive, yet I limp...

Working in a secular environment is one of the most challenging things spiritually I have ever experienced. I've worked at Applebee's for five and a half years and it has by far been more of ministry than I ever intended it or imagined it ever would be. I've seen it all. The drugs, the parties, the sex, the sexual promiscuity, the humor, the explitives, the fun, the mad, the fights, the drama, oh the drama--never ending soap operas. I have to make a conscious choice each day I go to work to love. If you ever want to see the depravity of man, work in a restaurant for a couple of months and you will literally see it all. It hurts! It breaks my heart to see that people, real life human beings, have nothing to live for. They are searching for something to fill that void in their life that never seems to go away but only grow bigger and heavier. What's even more sad is that I have the answer to that void, and yet, I choose to do nothing about it half the time.
You see, I had a very rough night at work tonight. I went in at 3:45 in the afternoon as usual, no big deal. I just now got home and its nearly 3AM. Almost twelve hours later, I am sitting here still trying to sort things out in my head. God has really burdened me of late about being a genuine living testimony for Him. In order to do that I have to be who I am, the good and the bad. The bottom line is that I still have a sinful side of me that wins battles on occasion. It wounds so to speak. Tonight I am bleeding and it hurts. So, I ask all my fellow brothers and sisters in this family we call Christ to pray for me. I'm limping right now. I so strive to be a living testimony and a reflection of who Christ is! I cannot do this in my own strength. I feel as if God has given me a duty or responsibility to love those I work with. After all, how can I condemn them for serving their master faithfully? They are doing what they are programmed to do--sin. As a follower of the Way I want to be a living representation of my God and Master in their life. That's all that I can do, "for I am crucified with Christ, therefore I no longer live, but Christ liveth in me." If everyone could do me a huge favor it would be much appreciated. Next time you go out to eat, really try to make your servers night. Leave a "good" tip and make their night in the love of Christ. You never know how much that may mean in their life. I've waited on church groups galore and if I weren't a believer already there's nothing I would be attracted to. That's sad! So, even if its only a couple of dollars more than you would normally give, try it. Servers do not forget those who treat them well. It is a reflection on you and ultimately God. Love you all! Good night!

2 comments:

Anonymous said...

Hey Mike, I totally can relate to you in your struggles with working in the secular world. I'm trying to remind myself that I am working for Jesus, and not my immediate boss. It helps if I try to have that perspective. It's still very difficult, but it can be better if I strive to react in that knowledge. Let's really try to pray for another in this way, since we both are face with this type of job right now. Also, give me a call soon. It's been a while since we have gotten together. Take it easy bro. Love ya'

Chris

Jayme said...

Michael,

Caught your blog on the update page and wanted to comment. Think about your situation this way, if you didn't work in the secular world and see what others did and how they dealt with it all the time and if you didn't have failings of your own, how much empathy will you have when trying to minister to others? What would make others wish to turn to you if they didn't realize that you are human as well and as such, you have flaws. The difference is that you have the means to rise above your problems and a way to help others do the same.

Your life experiences will help you to become the person that you are supposed to be. It seems that you are destined to be one of the good guys so just keep your focus. If it gets a little fuzzy sometimes, isn't praying the way to bring it back?

God Bless.