Diplomatic Immunity

I received the following email yesterday. It was intended as a joke, but I think it contains a very serious warning for all of us: if you are chosen to walk as Jesus’ ambassador to this world, be very careful that you’re not depending on diplomatic immunity!

“The best road rage story ever…

A man was being tailgated by a stressed-out woman on a busy boulevard. Suddenly, the light turned yellow, just in front of him. He did the right thing, stopping at the crosswalk, even though he could have beaten the red light by accelerating through the intersection. The tailgating woman hit the roof -- and the horn -- screaming in frustration as she missed her chance to get through the intersection. As she was still in mid-rant, she heard a tap on her window and looked up into the face of a very serious police officer. The officer ordered her to exit her car with her hands up. He took her to the police station where she was searched, finger printed, photographed and placed in a holding cell.

After a couple of hours, a policeman approached the cell and opened the door. She was escorted back to the booking desk where the arresting officer was waiting with her personal effects. He said, "I'm very sorry for this mistake. You see, I pulled up behind your car while you were blowing your horn, flipping off the guy in front of you, and cussing a blue streak at him. I noticed the 'Choose Life' license plate holder, the 'What Would Jesus Do' bumper sticker, the 'Follow Me to Sunday School' bumper sticker, and the chrome-plated Christian fish emblem on the trunk. Naturally, I assumed you had stolen the car."

Priceless!”

I think this story reinforces the idea that when we walk out of church on Sunday, we shouldn’t be checking our faith at the door. It must be with us 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and it must be real. It must be willing to stand up to microscopic inspection, because the world IS watching and waiting to trap us with our own words and behaviors. One of the most sobering phrases that we should never want to hear is, “Hey, I thought you were a Christian?”

Father in Heaven, I pray for us all today, that we may be faithful, true witnesses of your grace and mercy. Give us the power and strength, Holy Spirit, to live as You would have us live. Thank you, Lord Jesus, for Your saving work on the cross. I pray that we will be faithful followers today. In the name of Jesus, our Way, Truth and Life, amen.