“Boast not thyself of to morrow; for thou knowest not what a day may bring forth.” - Proverbs 27:1 (KJV)
In 2014, the Lord brought Mr. Pinkerton and I together at a Fortune 100 company for a six month contract as IT workers. Mr. Pinkerton, an Air Force veteran who transitioned into IT, was a towering figure at 6'4 and 220 pounds, with a physique that hinted at his military background. Our friendship blossomed during our six-month contract, so when I secured a salaried position at a different company in 2016, I didn't hesitate to recommend him for an opening on our team. My colleagues shared my enthusiasm, and the Lord soon brought him into our fold.
Over lunch breaks, we explored various aspects of life, sharing stories and experiences. Mr. Pinkerton was an atheist, and I, a devout Christian. Yet, despite our close friendship, I found it challenging to broach the subject of my faith. It seemed like an insurmountable barrier; he had his atheism, and I had my religion.
About a year later, our lives took an unexpected turn when Mr. Pinkerton suffered a sudden heart attack. After a successful surgery and a straightforward recovery period, he faced a new regimen of medications and dietary adjustments. Our lunchtime conversations continued, but I still couldn't find the right words to convey a complete gospel presentation to him.
Then one day, while driving from Charlotte to Atlanta, I received a call that broke my heart and shattered my ideas about friendship evangelism. Mr. Pinkerton's wife was on the line, distraught, informing me of his passing. I pulled over, tears streaming down my face. The grief was overwhelming. Mr. Pinkerton had been more than a friend; he had been like family. Yet, I had failed to share with him the most critical truth - the message of Jesus Christ.
I cried all the way home.
My grief and guilt were so profound that I couldn't even bring myself to attend his funeral and console those who mourned. In the years that followed, well-meaning Christian friends attempted to offer solace by reminding me of the Lord's sovereignty. But that comfort was feeble. The sovereignty of the Lord should never be an excuse for our disobedience to His Word.
I think both believers and unbelievers may make tremendous assumptions about what can be done tomorrow, when for some of us, tomorrow may never come.
As we seek a world with fewer stories like Mr. Pinkerton's, let's reflect on some important biblical questions to challenge our thinking.
Is the Great Commission in Matthew 28:18-20 binding on all believers or isn't it?
Are we or aren't we warned in James 4:14 that we know not what tomorrow will bring?
Are we or aren't we encouraged in Psalm 90:12-17 to number our days that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom?
When, again, is the day of salvation? Is it today, or tomorrow? What does 2 Corinthians 6:2 say?
In Part 2, I'll share another anecdote about a different friend, and uncover yet another flaw of friendship evangelism.