Squirm like a worm

Recently I was counseling a young manager and one of the points that I emphasized is that a supervisor cannot be intimidated by an employee and if someone needs counseling then one must “step up to the plate” and counsel them regardless of how uncomfortable the situation might become. I have counseled employees for years and one thing is certain, I know before I ever call some of them into my office that it will be uncomfortable and unpleasant. Different employees react differently to receiving instruction including constructive criticism. There are those who are smart enough to realize that the supervisor is doing them a favor by mentoring them and counseling them in an effort to develop them into a stellar employee. And there are those who will get mad; some will argue incessantly; some will cry; some will sulk for days afterward, none of which are pleasant to the supervisor or the employee. Nonetheless, like it or not, it must be done in order to get your objective accomplished which ultimately benefits the employee, the company, and the supervisor.

Avoiding potential unpleasant situations is as natural as avoiding stepping in a puddle of water. I think this is one reason that Christians avoid witnessing to others regarding Christ or even discussing Him in public with other Christians. Fear of what others might think or worse a dreaded, potential “confrontation”, stops some folks dead in their tracks. I am always disappointed when talking to other Christians about Christ in public to see them lower their voice and nervously look around as if they are fearful that someone will overhear them talking about spiritual matters in public. Generally I will raise my voice and say the “Christ” word loud and clear for all to hear just to watch them squirm like a worm being threaded onto a fishing hook. I am proud to be a Christian and I do not care who overhears me; in fact I hope someone does and it will positively influence them somehow.

I should not want anyone to squirm like a worm, but Christ paid a heavy price for all of our sins and we should not be ashamed to mention His holy name in public to friends, acquaintances, or even to complete strangers whenever and wherever the opportunity presents itself. The Bible teaches us to preach the word and that does not just apply to ministers and fulltime pastors, it applies to every Christian. Note the exclamation point in the verses below. Note that we are to preach the word in season and out of season using whatever method works! I take that to mean that we should do so even if it might appear that the result will be unpleasant, wherever and whenever the opportunity presents itself.

On that note, most of those worries are totally ridiculous anyway. I have witnessed to people for years including complete strangers and I have very rarely had anything but very positive and appreciative results. Consider that just maybe satan is the culprit whispering in your ear telling you to lower your voice and talk guardedly about your Savior, or better yet just avoid it altogether and don’t look like a fool or horror oh horror potentially offend someone.

2 Tim 4:1
I charge you therefore before
God and the Lord Jesus Christ,
who will judge the living and the
dead at His appearing and His
kingdom.
Preach the word! Be ready in
season and out of season. Convince,
rebuke, exhort, with all longsuffering
and teaching.