Explaining your faith to strangers

I’ve got jury duty this week. And I can’t talk about it. Basically, anything I say publicly must be cloaked in a shroud of secrecy so as not to prejudice the case. I can say this: When they screened us to see who they wanted on the jury, my usual tactic of being a person o…

By Seth Barnes

12 April 2012, 12:04 am

By Seth Barnes

12 April 2012, 12:04 am

I’ve got jury duty this week. And I can’t talk about it.

Basically, anything I say publicly must be cloaked in a shroud of secrecy so as not to prejudice the case.

I can say this: When they screened us to see who they wanted on the jury, my usual tactic of being a person of strong convictions (which usually exempts me) backfired. They were looking for principled people.

What a surprise to hear my name called! I guess the good news is that a secular court associates followers of Jesus with principled living.

The bad news is that my life this week is subordinated to someone else’s agenda.

When strangers ask you about your faith, how do you respond? When was the last time you had to explain your faith to strangers?

Comments (6)

Glenn Steers

April 12, 2012 at 12:07 am

Reply

“The bad news is that my life this week is subordinated to someone else’s agenda.” …Hmm, sounds like the life of a disciple!
Butch Maltby

April 12, 2012 at 12:07 am

Reply

Seth,

I’d take you on my jury any day. I got your message. I’m still in the fight and determined to end well. Shalom…
Wes

April 12, 2012 at 8:24 am

Reply

Strong convictions and the fact that you are well read are usually a 99% guarantee that not defense attorney will choose you. I have also found that tee-totalers don’t get chosen either. Have fun

Wes
Kathy L.

April 12, 2012 at 8:35 am

Reply

You are adding to your multiple life experiences! Jury duty put me in another realm for a few days and it was hard, but good for me. I had to remember that I did not help put a man in prison for 20 years; he put himself there. I know that was not the question of the blog. I don’t mind “cold turkey” faith sharing. It’s just getting started and finding the open door in a “sound bite” American lifestyle.
Lia Parker

April 12, 2012 at 9:03 am

Reply

Shared it in Walmart…. people are always pissed off when the go there, so I snipe them in the fruit section with Jesus talk. Even in the Bible-belt, you never know what’s going to happen.

I think i’ll start a Walmart Evangelist Movement. How’s that for Kingdom dreaming???
William

April 15, 2012 at 8:49 pm

Reply

Seth, I can honestly say that I have never had anyone ask me about my faith. Probably because I always go to them first.

I did have a pastor that did not know me one time ask what church I Pastored. He seemed a little surprised when I told him that I wasn’t called to pastor.