My Personal Savior ...?

The following conversation actually transpired. Certain details, including names, have been changed. These men did not attend TCF.

Bob, a professional in his mid-40s, married, raising three teenagers, was going about his usual routine when his new iPhone 6 emitted its characteristic chime. "Hullo," he said into it, trying to get used to the larger grip necessary to hold this latest technology.

"Hey Bob! This is Irving." Irv is a 60-something, estranged from his family due to bad decisions on his part, but moderately successful in business and a fairly regular church attender. Irving and Bob have been Christian friends for years, attending the same church, playing golf occasionally. It's more than a passing acquaintance, but less than a close brotherhood.

"Irv! Hey, Good to hear from you! What's up?" After the usual pleasantries Irv became serious.

"I have a sort of an odd request" He said.

"Shoot. What is it?" Bob responded.

"Would you be willing to float me a loan of a few hundred dollars and wire it to me?"

"Well, OK, sure, but ... why? Are you in some sort of bind?"

A moment of silence, then "... I'm out of the country actually and just need the cash."

"Out of the country? Where out of the country?" Bob was cheery, but curious because Irv's business did not require him to travel that much. There was another moment of silence before Irv spoke. "Umm... Bangkok."

"Bangkok!... in Thailand!? What are you doing there?"

"I just decided to fly here, sort of a wild hair I guess. Never seen it and thought it might be cool to visit. It's an amazing city really. But I'm in this place that doesn't take credit cards, and well, I need more cash than I brought here. Can you help me out?"

"So, you decided to just go to Bangkok for a few days and you're in need of cash," Bob said a bit more suspiciously than he intended. "Irv, where are you in Bangkok that doesn't take credit cards?"

More uncomfortable silence. "It's a place where I'm meeting some people."

Bob's eyes narrowed and a frown crinkled his normally smooth forehead. He pulled his over-sized cell phone from his ear and looked directly at it as if he were skyping with Irv.

Replacing it to his ear he spoke slowly, "Are these 'people' female by any chance?" he asked.

"As a matter of fact, they are." Irv's tone was purposely casual, like a business acquaintance who just mentioned that it happened to be a nice day here ... in Bangkok.

Bob was not fooled. "So, let me get this straight. You're in Bangkok alone with some women and you need cash because this 'place of business' doesn't take credit cards."

"Right."

"You flew to Bangkok to meet a prostitute? I thought you were a Christian! What are you doing?!"

"Well," Irv responded evenly but with mild indignation, "I think that's between me and the Lord, don't you?"

Bob paused to force his blood pressure down. "I see," he said matching Irv's even tone. "In that case you need to call Him and ask Him to wire you the money." Click.  

One point only here folks: When we become Christians we do have a personal relationship with the Lord. That's one of the wonders of the gospel. But our personal Savior is not our private Savior. He's not on retainer for our use when we want to do something wrong. We belong to each other as well as to the Lord and He uses that interpersonal relationship to keep us growing. Lean into it.

Just a Thought,