Book Commercials & Misanthropic Observations

Giving a super-spiritual answer to a normal question

I was at a picnic yesterday and sat down across from some people I hadn’t met. Now, while I am a true misanthrope at heart, I have a firm belief in social kindness, so I introduced myself, asked a few questions and a friendly round of small talk began. They were a very nice older couple, and we had some mutual friends in common.

The man, (whose name I did not register) asked me what I do. We live in America- this is a common, friendly question that is most often answered with a job description, or sometimes a passionate hobby, and the correct, thoughtful answer is not too long and boring, but tells the questioner something about you (more than 1 word) and leaves an opening for follow up questions, should they want to go that route, or a reciprocal description of what the questioner does. This can very often lead to getting to know that person better, and laying the groundwork for an acquaintance that can grow to actual relationship later. This is not the time for spiritual showing off.

I said “I work for Larry”. My boss happened to be very friendly with this couple and was sitting right next to us. Knowing that this would establish even more mutuality, we both knew him well, and could have lead to a whole ‘nother bunny trail of conversation. But it didn’t- because we were interrupted by someone who felt that was not spiritual enough and told the couple that I don’t work for Larry, I work for God.

Well, that shut the conversation down. I was now a super-spiritual person who worked for God while these poor schleps across from me merely worked for, well, I never found out.

My biggest problem with this answer was that it implied that working at a church is somehow working more for God than other Christians on their jobs. This is the false idea that causes people guilt that they have never quit their accounting job to work in “ministry”, instead of working at that job with integrity and excellence and being the gospel to people in your company.

The other problem is, that’s not what the old guy was asking- come on, people, any one with half a cup of social skill can tell what question is being asked, and if someone asks “Have you seen my car keys?” and you answer “I can share with you the true key to salvation!” you’re just not helping them or anyone else who is trying to build actual relationship in the hopes of being salt and light. You’re just inoculating them against the weird phrases of Christian-ese and allowing them to block it out because they’ve heard it all before.