On our third day in Belize, we decided to take a short bus ride to a Trade/Bible School. While waiting for the bus, a taxi driver (Rolando) offered to drive us there for less money than it would cost to take the bus. We jumped at his offer. Two minutes into the 5 mile drive, we asked if he was a Christian (Belizeans are open about spiritual things). His answer—blatantly honest—was “Yes, but only half a Christian.” As you would guess, we quickly reminded him Jesus required 100% from His followers.
Rolando divulged that he had drifted away from Jesus after being hurt by the misconduct of a Christian leader. We hardly had to say a word after that, as Rolando confessed his shortcomings and admitted to changes he needed to make to be right with Jesus. By the end of our ride he was proclaiming we had been sent by God to reveal his “half-heartedness.”
Upon our return to San Ignacio, we saw a ‘traditional’ Mennonite man and woman sitting quietly under the shade of a tree, in their buggy, while resting their horses. [The traditional Mennonites are like our Amish; they are a small but very influential part of the Belize population.] Respecting their privacy, we cautiously approached, and told them we were Christians too. Then we were led to share the “Dying to Live Abundant Life” materials—then gave them copies of our books. They gave us their address with a standing invitation to visit any time—truly a divine encounter! While I do not agree with their biblical interpretation of separation, I have to say I do respect their whole-hearted devotion.
As I thought about these two encounters, I saw God's object lesson. Whether a half-hearted taxi driver or a whole-hearted Mennonite, our prayer should be: “Search me, O God, and KNOW MY HEART; test me and know my thoughts. Point out anything in me that offends you, and lead me along the path of everlasting life” (Ps. 139:23-24 NLT).
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