One time I went to do a quick walk through on a house that was supposed to close the next day. There was a terrible smell as soon as I stepped through the door. Somebody was cooking something awful.
In the kitchen were three women dressed in black robes, standing around the oven. Burning on the cooktop was a pot with some kind of mixture of spices. The homeowners had not closed on the house yet, so there was no furniture or other belongings of any kind in the home.
I asked what they were doing, and they said it was their way of blessing the home before they move in. Interesting. I asked what religion they were, to which they replied that the were Sikh. (pronounced “seek”)
I raised my eyebrow and asked curiously, “What exactly are you seeking?”
They all laughed and one of them said, “No, its not like that.”
Of course, I knew that, but it gave me the open door to speak briefly about seeking the Savior.
When you have a little fun and make the atmosphere light, you can speak to people freely about the gospel and not have them be offended at you. It doesnt have to be all serious or awkward all the time. Eternal life or eternal death are serious issues, to be sure, but remember, we are trying to open people up and reach them, not drive them away by making them uncomfortable. There is a time to be serious and level with people in the conversation, but getting it started requires a little tact. I try to keep it light at first and let them get a feel for my sanity. When they know that I am genuine, then we can move on to deeper issues.
I didnt come on too heavy because this was my job and I couldnt have new homeowners feeling bombarded by some overzealous preacher. I was simply planting the seed and hoping for future conversations down the road.
I have seen people do a lot weirder things than cooking spices to invoke a blessing. In India, Hindus will literally bring a cow into their new home and wait for it to urinate or deficate in the home. Sometimes they will smear the cow dung around the home. Talk about a great way to break in a brand new house!
It’s true that people do lots of strange things to get God’s attention or blessing. What does the Bible say? God took the initiative!
“God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” Romans 5:8
All world religions are wrapped around man reaching out for God. In Christ, God reached down to man.
Do your friends, loved ones, neighbors know about the forgiveness you have found through the blood of Jesus?
Go tell people about the life you have in Christ!