Our lives tell a story.

As the movers were packing our belongings to send to our next duty assignment, my wife told me that she and my daughter did not pack any church clothes. Though I have several suits, I did not pack them because I didn't want to deal with wrinkling, cleaning, etc. Instead, I was packing a polo shirt (church-style), a pair of slacks, and casual dress shoes. Minutes before the movers left, I asked them to pack my 'church' clothes. I didn't want my wife and daughter to feel uncomfortable, so I would join them in a more casual 'dress.'

Before arriving at our next assignment, we had an opportunity to attend two churches. During each of the church services, we wore the best 'casual' clothing we packed. (By the time we reached the second church, my mother-in-law purchased a few dresses for my daughter.) During the end of the second service (during altar call), I was looking around and made eye contact with one of the members of the church. He immediately walked over to me and grabbed my hand - he was pulling for me to stand. As I stood, he explained how the Lord cares for me and will take care of me and said that if I needed someone to go with me up to the front he would be willing.

Did he just offer salvation as if I was an unbeliever?

I was completely speechless.

Within this 'genre' of church, the 'standard' dress is a suit, tie, etc. or at least a button-down shirt and khaki pants. I was wearing a stylish polo shirt, dark jeans, and athletic shoes. For the most part, many of the people that may come in this attire are either teenagers; unbelievers; can't afford 'church' clothes; or haven't attended a church service in a while (to name a few).

Now, I can see where his desire was (and I won't speak about his comments to me), but I didn't see that coming. Very calmly I leaned over and whispered that I was a preacher of the gospel. Like lightning, he darted back to his seat without saying another word. After the service, I wanted to speak to him about his comments (and another issue), but I didn’t pursue it any further. I guess he may have learned a valuable lesson already.

Many people have heard the cliché to 'come as you are,' but we must be cognizant, sensitive (to the Holy Spirit and others), and careful when dealing with other people. We never know 'where' someone may be in their life and one careless remark or action can be cause for a wedge of offense to come in.

Many times we allow outward appearances (race, sex, clothing, etc.) to produce preconceived notions about a person, but we don't always know what's going on in their life. Even though inward and outward expressions can tell a story, it may not be complete - even with the best intentions. It may be best for us to hold our 'peace' before taking a step of action.

A person's good intentions may not be received as such.

James 1:19 (KJV) - Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath

I have about another month before my suits arrive...