When Carson challenged me to think about times I am tempted to stay quiet about Jesus in today’s Daily, I immediately thought of airplanes.
I have spent a lot of time on planes the past few years, making me a very comfortable, though very introverted, traveler. My usual approach to air travel is to get from security to my seat on the plane with my earbuds planted firmly in my ears, signaling that I am not interested in small talk with strangers.
On a recent trip, though, I found myself without my trusty earbuds, so I pulled up a textbook for school on my Kindle. As we took off, my seat neighbor asked what I was reading, and I explained that I am a graduate student studying history. He launched unprompted into a tirade about how history is just full of horrible stories of how religious people kill and hurt one another. It was surreal, as I had not mentioned that I study Christian history at all. I was taken aback.
I am ashamed to say I did not push back on his assertions or even ask particularly curious questions. I allowed my fear of a flight filled with antagonistic conversation to keep me from having a meaningful discussion about Jesus. Rather than seeking to be an example of a religious person who engages kindly and gently, I listened cordially to this man before returning to my book.
I could make excuses about trying to keep myself safe as a solo female traveler, or not wanting to cause loud debate on a crowded plane out of care for other passengers. But if I am honest, I just did not want to make Jesus visible in that moment, because it would have been inconvenient.
I am convicted to start trying to have Jesus play a more visible role in my daily life and conversations, despite the risk that it might be uncomfortable or inconvenient.
Where can you make Jesus visible in your daily life?