An Ancient Story to the Rescue

I explain to them that because I follow Jesus, they can expect me to speak with respect towards them and without the use of profanity. I, in turn, ask them to maintain our classroom atmosphere by doing the same to me and each other. 

Recently, I was asked to show a video to our “intro to university” classes. As I previewed the video, I observed it began rather innocuously but soon turned into an angry political rant and was FULL of profanity. This placed me in a rather difficult position; could I teach the topic asked of me using this video and still be true to my commitment to the Lord and my students? I felt I could not. What was I to do?

In my uneasiness about the situation, I turned to the Lord in much prayer seeking a solution. And I believe He provided a way out. 

The topic of the video was focused on our differences as human beings and pitted groups against each other without providing ideas for solutions to human conflict. Maybe there was another way to broach this topic that was in keeping with my promise to the class. God led to “an ancient book” with a beautiful story of how to be a neighbor.  

Yes, I told the class the story of the Good Samaritan, complete with all the contentious factions, hatred, stereotypes, and issues that have always plagued humanity. 

I was surprised to learn that while most of the students had heard the term “Good Samaritan” from news stories, they had no idea where the story originated! They seemed genuinely moved by the lesson Jesus was teaching through the story. In turn, I was able to cover the subject expected of me by my supervisors.

All of this assured me that when I am being asked to compromise my convictions as a faculty member at a secular university, God can make a way for me when there doesn’t seem to be a way.

And this reminds me of another “ancient story” involving a man named Daniel and a lion’s den.