Michael
Michael is a big man—not fat—big. He fits the description of a laborer, and I want him on my team in tug of war. He is a white man in his fifties and is an encourager. I first took notice of Michael when, after I preached on Isaiah 50 on the Humiliated Servant, he came up to me and asked, “When are you going to be coming back?” He seemed to like my message, so naturally I liked him.
One night, before I preached during the prayer requests one of the men noted how little girls have a special place in the heart of a grandfather. So, as I stepped up to preach, I noted that I had been encouraged by that tender comment, and how my little daughter, too, had a special place within my own heart. I noted how precious little girls are, and how they do get into your heart. Michael blurted out, “Just wait till they turn 19!” The room broke out in laughter.
I sat with Michael at dinner last Wednesday night, and as we were all talking, I asked Michael what his story was. He told me that his story was simple. He grew up in a good home, with good parents, but he strayed, as he became a maker, and user of Meth. I think it was clear that he had ruined his relationship with his wife/girlfriend, and that in the past few months, the economy had hurt him severely, which is what brought him to the mission.
He had come (back?) to the Lord in recent months, and had been attending an event called, “Celebrate Recovery,” something of an AA with a more explicitly Christian message, and more broad than just alcohol addiction.
Michael is an encourager. I see it as he interacts with the other men. He is a leader of the men, and seems to be well-respected. And he truly seems to be growing in the Lord, and directing others toward the Lord as he goes. I don’t anticipate he will remain at the mission long unless he sees it as an opportunity to serve the Lord.
This is all to say that I was surprised at the shirt he had on. It was a Hooters shirt. I made no mention of the shirt, and frankly don’t know what to make of his wearing it. Does it say that he goes to Hooters? Does it just say he wears an old Hooters shirt?
Either way, it is not becoming of disciple of Jesus Christ. As I have thought and prayed about the matter, I have come to three reasons for admonition. First, wearing the shirt does not represent the Gospel of Jesus Christ appropriately. “Only conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the Gospel of Jesus Christ,” Paul writes. Second, it hinders his growth into maturity in the faith. In 1 Peter, we find these words: “For the time already past is sufficient for you to have carried out the desire of the Gentiles.” And finally, his usefulness for the Gospel is hindered in sin. 2 Timothy 2 has these words, “Therefore, if anyone cleanses himself from these things, he will be a vessel for honor, sanctified, useful to the Master, prepared for every good work. Now flee from youthful lusts and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart.”
I made mention of the shirt while with him, but have grown in conviction that I must restore him in a spirit of gentleness. I pray that I would have boldness and gentleness, with the knowledge that I do not know the full story, and know that I am not immune from the sensuality of this world. Still, it is a task which I must do. So, I have decided to bring him a new shirt to replace the old. I will speak with him, but also leave a note with further explanation. The Scriptures are clear and strong against the vices of Hooters, and I pray that he would receive the mild rebuke well. Pray for the encounter that the God of grace would be present.
Comments
No comments yet
Post a Comment