Grubb column: Overheard conversation leads to wisdom

I was in Indy a couple weeks ago to attend a classic car auction. I arose before sunup and shuffled, blurry eyed, to the hotel lobby, fully aware it was way too early for the free breakfast — but praying it wasn’t too early for the miraculous turning of water into coffee.

As usual, I was up against the deadline for this column and knew if I didn’t get it submitted before sunrise, I would be carried away by the approaching tsunami of chrome and leather.

Processing words for several hours as coffee wicked to the brain, I typed and erased; typed and edited. Eventually the lobby began to fill with people who rise at a more rational hour and without warning found myself in an awkward situation.

“Let me talk with you about something before we meet up with the other workers,” a gentleman spoke in hushed tones through a heavy Latino accent. His words wafted through the large potted plant placed as a room divider between our tables. I’m sure he had no idea how privy I was to his personal conversation; although he spoke in a whisper, I was close enough that I could hear as if he were speaking to me.

I considered moving, but selfishly reckoned, “I have squatter’s rights!” Besides, I had papers spread out around me and it was too inconvenient to relocate, so I decided to do what you would have done and tilted my head toward the ficus plant so I didn’t miss a word. It turned out their “private” conversation was short and to the point, ending as quickly as it began. But I was caught off guard by his words. At first they surprised me, but they eventually settled into my spirit as inspirational.

He said to his companion, “Let me talk with you about something before we meet up with the other workers. You know sometimes Latinos get a bad rap for not always being the hardest workers. But I come from a long line of proud Latinos who are hardworking and honest and I’m committed to protecting my family’s reputation. So, I’m just sayin’, I try to work harder than anyone in our company. I try to be the first to arrive and the last to leave. I know it may not seem fair, but I believe the best way to change prejudice is to be the best at whatever you do. I know you want to do well and so I’m asking you to do your best out there today, and we’ll prove that we are hard workers. OK?”

“Yes, I promise to do my best,” the new recruit responded.

As they walked away, they slapped one another on the back and I thought, “I’ve just been reminded how the playing field isn’t always level for everyone in America.”

I relate to that Latino gentleman in an odd sort of way. As a follower of Jesus, I often hear those who are not interested in spiritual things speak disparagingly of religious people. They accuse us of being harsh, insensitive and judgmental. Recent polls show that a large majority of people have a high regard for the historic person of Jesus, but not those of us who follow Him.

The Apostle Peter is one of my favorite Biblical characters. He’s the one, you’ll remember, who jumped in the water and nearly drowned as he witnessed Jesus walking toward them. He’s also the one who pulled a sword and cut off Malchus’ ear in the garden of Gethsemane before being chided by Jesus to put the sword away. Later he famously denied three times any association with Jesus.

But ultimately, that same Peter, empowered by the Holy Spirit and seasoned by experience, urged all believers to put their best foot forward as we represent Jesus to the world. Peter writes:

“Live an exemplary life among the natives so that your actions will refute their prejudices. Then they’ll be won over to God’s side and be there to join in the celebration when he arrives. Make the Master proud of you by being good citizens. Respect the authorities, whatever their level.” 1 Peter 2:12-13

It wouldn’t surprise me to learn that my Latino friend drew his wisdom from the wisest book ever written.

Ron Grubb loves to tell life stories and apply God’s truth as he leads the Lancaster School of Ministry and pastors at Life Church, four miles north of Lancaster on Ohio 37. Ron welcomes your thoughts at ron@lifechurchohio.com.