I have an old story in my files from many years ago that I found on the website Elbourne.org. In it, one man told another at a school function for their kids: “I’ve been racking my mind, but I can’t place you. You look very much like somebody I have seen a lot – and for some reason, I get the feeling you’re somebody I don’t LIKE. But I can’t remember why. Isn’t that strange?”
“There’s nothing strange about it,” said the other man. “For the last two years, I’ve passed you the collection plate in church!”
Not everyone whom we call upon to offer their best will appreciate it. But that’s okay. Sometimes, Christians need to be challenged. They may feel frustration or even anger in the moment. Still, those emotions may transform into satisfaction or even gratitude over time.