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Passing the Jerk Test

by Amanda Beattie

It was a beautiful June evening in Florida. The breeze was light, the ocean waves were gently rolling, and the sunset was breathtaking -- it was a place where the last thing you would expect to see was a group of teenagers from Oklahoma worshipping Jesus like crazy people.

But that's where we were. That was us, with our violin, guitar, and two drums. Florida was our mission field. We set up our worship band in the public square and began lifting praises to God, talking about Jesus to any curious onlookers. And there were certainly plenty of curious onlookers.

The Test

A few teens from my youth group and I set out, witnessing to people in the square. We came upon one man sitting on the ground, painting in watercolors. Feeling God's prompting, we decided to go talk to him.

We introduced ourselves, and he responded with his name. One of our girls asked him about his paintings, and he was happy enough to tell us what he was doing. On the ground beside him were several still-wet images in beautiful pastel colors.

We asked him if he was from Florida, and he replied that he was. "So, where are you guys from?"

"Oklahoma," we responded.

He whistled a little. "So you're a long way from home, then."

We nodded in sheepish agreement, and told him that we were enjoying our trip very much.

He began asking us what we were doing out in Florida -- who we came with, how long we were staying, and the like. We explained that we were with our youth group and that our band was the one playing in the middle of the square. I have to admit that I was pleased with his positive reaction to our music.

"Well," my friend began. "We're just out here, worshipping Jesus, having a good time..."

He seemed impressed, and we saw an open door. We asked him, "So, what do you think about Jesus?"

Unfortunately, we didn't get too far. The man nodded, a half-grin forming on his face. "Okay, guys...I know what you're trying to do."

I was disappointed. I had hoped he would be more open. It seemed that the conversation would soon be over, and I braced myself to be politely dismissed -- but I wasn't prepared for what he said next.

"I know what you're trying to do -- but I respect it. I have to tell you, I didn't feel like I was being pounced on, like I have with some other people. I didn't feel like I was targeted or attacked... you passed my 'jerk test.' I'm not interested in Jesus -- but you did well."

I was stunned by what he'd said. At one level, I was disappointed that he didn't accept Jesus, but at another, I was rejoicing. God helped us pass the jerk test!

We respected his decision and took our leave, thanking him for his time and wishing him a good evening. He bid us good-bye warmly, and even apologized that he didn't want to get saved.

How Does the Jerk Test Apply to Me?

This man is not the only person who has a "jerk test." Whether they admit it or not, everyone has set up mental boundaries to determine if they will like and trust people they meet. Most people's jerk test will resemble the one that this man had:

He didn't want to feel pounced upon, targeted, or attacked. What does that mean? He didn't want someone to zero-in on him, pop a question about Jesus, and dart away as soon as he said no. He didn't want us to preach fire and brimstone to him. What he was looking for was someone willing to get to know him, care about him, and listen to what he had to say. If he felt like we missed any of these points, we would have failed the jerk test and been totally shut out.

We're Being Graded

When witnessing, it is very easy to forget how other people look at us. We, as Christians, already know Jesus, and we know how thoroughly awesome He is. However, we tend to forget that other people can't see Him like that. All they see is us... and they are sizing us up. Will we show ourselves to be caring friends, or will we end up looking like jerks?

Remember that when you approach people with the Gospel, you are automatically answering to their jerk test. Talk to them, listen to them, care about them, and love them... and, with God's help, you can pass the jerk test with flying colors!

"I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world." (John 16:33)

Life Applications:

Take a moment to think...what are probably some questions on a non-Christian's jerk test? (Hint: what would be on your own jerk test?)
Have you seen people fail the jerk test before? What happened?
What can you do when witnessing to avoid flunking the jerk test?

Copyright 2002 by Amanda Beattie
All rights reserved.