Saturday, November 28, 2009
LA Fitness Fiasco....
I'm in Houston till tomorrow. We fly out for a few days in Mexico to celebrate our 10 year anniversary.
On Thursday morning to prepare for the onslaught of the American feast I went searching for a place to work out. Although I have a membership (till January) at 24 Hour Fitness I went to the LA Fitness down the road to see if they'd let me work out for free.
There were not many people there but the 3 salespeople (2 girls and 1 guy) were there to hear my pitch. I'll spare you of the details but I went in to the situation very sales-like. I have an agenda. I'm going to appeal to their desire to sell. I'm going to present myself as a buyer in the hopes of getting a free pass for a few days.
And that's what I did. I told them I canceled my membership at 24 Hour (true) and I was in town with family (true) and that I'd like to see if they'd give me a pass for a couple days because who knows, maybe I'll become a member of Lifetime in the future (not true). I acted a bit arrogant and pushy. I was wearing clothes that didn't fit.
I justified this language purely from a sales perspective. Even though I know there is no Lifetime even close to our home, I knew it unlikely to get anything free if I went completely honest. Therefore I did what you learn from the world and the American mileau.
"Well...since you don't live in the area...we can only offer a pass for $15 a day." I declined it and said there were plenty of Lifetimes in Dallas. The guy said "Let me look them up for you..." in hopes of probably convincing me that I should buy a plan today etc.
"No thanks...if there's no option to try the gym..I'll go down the road."
And I did. I actually found a 24 Hour down the road and they let me work out for free. Mercy.
However, while I was working out I was convicted about the approach I took. What I thought was a sound, legit approach actually was worldly and dishonest. What I thought was wise was only according to worldly wisdom and didn't reflect the pure honesty of Jesus Christ my Lord. I was reminded that I had wanted to share the gospel with folks in Houston while I'm here, and now the Lord was giving me a chance.
You want to share the gospel? Go back and apologize to those salespeople and tell them why--Jesus is your Lord and you spoke dishonestly.
Gulp.
I work out extra hard when there's something I'm nervous about later in the day and that workout was no exception. Those 20 pound dumbbells took a beating.
I drove back to the LA Fitness. All three salespeople were there. Egads! Breathing heavy from my workout and from nerves...
"Hey...uhh...just wanted to come back and apologize. I'm a Christian and Jesus is my Lord and I think He wanted me to come back and tell you that I spoke dishonestly. It would have been fine to present myself as a buyer if I really was one--but I'm not. I was just trying to get something for fee. I apologize. I should have just asked if you had any free offers."
I noticed as a shared the girls seemed to smile and let their guards down. The guy expressed appreciation. The Lord seemed to be at work. Moreover, I felt power from the Lord where before it was purely flesh.
Thankful for the unexpected opportunity to witness the freedom that Christ brings--from my own unbelief.
Friday, November 20, 2009
Joy...
I hope and pray I can write about a conversation I had with someone today with permission in the future.
Lottie Moon once said "there is no greater joy than the saving of souls"
Spurgeon once said, "it is a joy worth worlds to win souls."
Jesus said, "there is joy before the angels of God over one sinner who repents.” (Luke 15:10)
Tonight I concur.
Lottie Moon once said "there is no greater joy than the saving of souls"
Spurgeon once said, "it is a joy worth worlds to win souls."
Jesus said, "there is joy before the angels of God over one sinner who repents.” (Luke 15:10)
Tonight I concur.
Friday, November 6, 2009
"It Comes From Yourself"
Last night Michelle and I were on a date. We ended up at at a furniture store to look at some things. We ended up talking to a very nice salesmen who shared his story with us briefly. Having lived in Houston before, Michelle and he talked about the area.
It turns out he's Jewish. He mentioned some tragedies he's experienced and how death doesn't frighten him.
I asked if he has a local synagogue he attends and he said he hasn't been for many years.
At one point he mentioned pursuing happiness.
I asked, "where does happiness come for you?"
As an intro to his answer he said, "well...it comes from yourself."
It turns out he's Jewish. He mentioned some tragedies he's experienced and how death doesn't frighten him.
I asked if he has a local synagogue he attends and he said he hasn't been for many years.
At one point he mentioned pursuing happiness.
I asked, "where does happiness come for you?"
As an intro to his answer he said, "well...it comes from yourself."
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