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No two Christians share their faith the same way; some quote Scripture while others pass out tracts. Some use methods like “The 4 Spiritual Laws” or “The Roman Road.” But Eugene Peterson’s evangelistic strategy was much simpler.
He just used his fists.
In his book Who Is This Man, renowned author John Ortberg recounts a comical story from the childhood of Eugene Peterson…the same Eugene Peterson who would grow to become a world-famous theologian, writer, and translator of The Message. Though Peterson’s evangelistic efforts as an adult are graceful, those of his childhood were…well…vengeful….
I had been prepared for the wider world of neighborhood and school by memorizing, “Bless those who persecute you,” and “turn the other check.” I don’t know how Garrison Johns knew that about me – some sixth sense bullies have, I suppose. Most afternoons after school, he would catch me and beat me up. He also found out I was a Christian and taunted me with “Jesus-sissy.”
I arrived home most days bruised and humiliated. My mother told me this had always been the way of Christians in the world and that I had better get used to it. She also said I was supposed to pray for him. One day I was with seven or eight friends when Garrison caught up with us in the afternoon and started jabbing me. That’s when it happened. Something snapped. For a moment, the Bible verses disappeared from my consciousness, and I grabbed Garrison. To my surprise and his, I was stronger than he was. I wrestled him to the ground, sat on his chest, pinned his arms to the ground with me knees, and he was helpless at my mercy. It was too good to be true. I hit him in the face with my fists. It felt good, and I hit him again. Blood spurted from his nose, a lovely crimson in the snow.
I said to Garrison, “Say uncle.” He wouldn’t say it. I hit him again. More blood. Then my Christian training reasserted itself. I said, “Say, ‘I believe in Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior.’” He wouldn’t say it. I hit him again. More blood. I tried again. “Say, ‘I believe in Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior,’” and he said it.
Garrison Johns was my first Christian convert.
Everybody can laugh at that story – everybody except Garrison Johns – but the truth is, many of us “beat on” the lost just like Peterson did that day. Granted, we may not use our fists, but we can be just as hurtful with our mouths or our attitudes. We may be able to get the lost to “say the right thing” if we apply enough pressure, but if we want them to be truly changed by Jesus and His Gospel, then we must apply love.
Resource’s Origin:
Who Is This Man by John Ortberg. Zondervan, 2012, Pages 134-135.
Topics Illustrated Include:
Boys
Bully
Children
Christians
Conversion
Evangelism
Evangelist
Fighting
Gospel
Great Commission
Jesus’ Teachings
Lost
Love
Violence
Witness
(Resource cataloged by David R Smith)
