I like to do a specific activity every time I do training inductions. The task is simple enough. All they need to do is to share five things about themselves,
Their name
Educational background
Professional background
Interests
And something unique about them
In one of the sessions I had, one participant said that he was an atheist and that he didn’t believe in God. Let’s call him John.
John continued to say that he didn’t believe in God because it is stupid to think that there is an unseen being who has power over everything.
I immediately stopped John from doing the activity. I cut his discussion short firstly because it is company policy not to discuss religion in the class due to cultural sensitivity, and secondly because of my faith. I felt a lump in my throat when he said that belief in God was stupid. I tried to manage my emotions as professional as possible.
I said, “I’m sorry to interrupt, it’s just company procedure not to talk about religion because we respect everyone’s faith and belief in the class.”
John apologised and completed the activity without any issues.
Another trainee went in front of the class to do the activity. Let’s call her Sam.
Sam, on the other hand, was a Christian. A very passionate one at that. I learned about her faith during the training and one on one coaching sessions. We talked about her belief that God empowers her to be the best she can be.
It didn’t make any sense, but John and Sam became close. There were a lot of people in the class, twenty-four of them to be exact, but the atheist and the Christian bonded better.
After the training, everyone in the class did become friends, and we followed each other on social media. When I left the company and moved to Australia, I didn’t hear much from them anymore, at least directly. I still got to see their posts online.
A few days ago, I was checking my newsfeed and saw a picture of John and Sam together. They attended a Christian event, and I was so surprised!
I commented on the post and confirmed if that was a Christian event.
Sam replied and verified it was. She then told me that John had been faithfully attending church for the past three years. She also asked me to pray for him since there are still instances that he doubts God.
I told her that even seasoned Christians experienced that and promised to pray for John continually. I told Sam I’ll write about them here on High3r.com, but I’ll keep it anonymous. She agreed so here we are.
Wow. My mind was blown because of this. When I met John, he was intense. He was a devoted atheist who didn’t care about people’s opinions about his belief. Now he regularly attends services in one of the most successful Christian churches in the Philippines.
Was it because of the girl? Maybe. But right now, all I care about is that John is following Christ. Everyone is welcome at church anyway, even atheists.
Praise God and His love! Give thanks to Jesus for His empowerment and sacrifice!
Philippians 1:15-18
New International Version (NIV)
15 It is true that some preach Christ out of envy and rivalry, but others out of goodwill. 16 The latter do so out of love, knowing that I am put here for the defense of the gospel. 17 The former preaches Christ out of selfish ambition, not sincerely, supposing that they can stir up trouble for me while I am in chains. 18 But what does it matter? The important thing is that in every way, whether from false motives or true, Christ is preached. And because of this, I rejoice.
Yes, and I will continue to rejoice.
Thank you for reading this devotional story and I pray that it encouraged and empowered you in your walk with Christ. Please read other devotional stories on the website. You might find A Message from Sam, Why Do I Pray for Others? and Why Seek Jesus? Interesting.h
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