Many years ago, one early spring, I was driving two of my survey guys through eastern Kentucky on a job in Hazard County. When it comes to our line of business, we have a saying: “Most of the time it’s either too hot or too cold, but two or three days out of the year in spring and fall, this is a really great job.” That was one of those days. The hills were greening, the sky was blue, and the vistas were spectacular. It was a pleasant drive and we chatted idly.

Mike and I were kicking around some “religious” topics that were in the news that day, quoting various scriptures, and debating their applicability. I don’t remember the specifics, only that it was an animated yet amicable conversation. During a coffee break, Mark commented from the back seat: “This is great! You guys are talking religion without being in church and without anyone getting upset. Most folks won’t risk it.”

I was convicted. I was speaking easily at that moment, knowing that I was in a truck with two Christian guys and of like mind. However, I also knew in my heart that I would have been less likely to speak up in a less controlled situation. The conviction I felt is supported in scriptures Deuteronomy 6:6-9, Matthew 10:32-33 and 26:69-75.

Most of us have been taught to avoid talking politics or religion in order to avoid arguments. Should we avoid arguments? Are we denying Christ when we avoid arguing about him? Are we afraid of the conflict or just afraid of losing the argument? What do we have to lose when we allow the conversation? Better yet, what do we gain from it?

I welcome you to the conversation!

“These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. 7 Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. 8 Tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. 9 Write them on the doorframes of your houses and on your gates.”

Deuteronomy 6:6-9

“Whoever acknowledges me before others, I will also acknowledge before my Father in heaven. 33 But whoever disowns me before others, I will disown before my Father in heaven.”

Matthew 10:32-33

“Peter Disowns Jesus
69 Now Peter was sitting out in the courtyard, and a servant girl came to him. “You also were with Jesus of Galilee,” she said.
70 But he denied it before them all. “I don’t know what you’re talking about,” he said.
71 Then he went out to the gateway, where another servant girl saw him and said to the people there, “This fellow was with Jesus of Nazareth.”
72 He denied it again, with an oath: “I don’t know the man!”
73 After a little while, those standing there went up to Peter and said, “Surely you are one of them; your accent gives you away.”
74 Then he began to call down curses, and he swore to them, “I don’t know the man!”
Immediately a rooster crowed. 75 Then Peter remembered the word Jesus had spoken: “Before the rooster crows, you will disown me three times.” And he went outside and wept bitterly.”

Matthew 26:69-75