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PROGRAM D-8198
In our continuing story of Fran and Jesus on the Job, Fran is struggling to justify a new relationship with a man who is not a Christian when her phone rings.
“Good morning, this is Fran, can I help you?” comes her standard greeting. As she listens, what she hears doesn’t please her.
“What do you mean, you’re not going to make that deadline? Al, I’ve made a commitment to the client. This is the second time in a week you’ve blown a deadline for me, Al. You know, I worked like crazy to get this business, and then you guys are going to lose it for me. Yeah, well, you haven’t heard the last on this one, Al,” and she slams the phone down.
As she does, she is immediately convicted about her angry words. But again, instead of confessing her sin and asking forgiveness, she tries to justify it. “Listen, Lord, you can’t pussyfoot around and be effective in this business. It’s my job to see that my clients are served well, and I was just doing my job,” Fran says defensively.
She opens her briefcase and laying on top is her Bible which she carries with her each day. As soon as she sees it, she is overcome with regret. “Oh, Lord, I can’t believe it. Listen to me. All I’ve done is hurt people with words lately. We were studying James in church yesterday and I was convicted because I know how out of control my tongue has been!” Fran sits at her desk with her head in her hands.
“I’ve blown it so much lately. I’ve had angry words for the children as well as with my mother.” Then she remembers the way she treated Karen at church yesterday when she asked Fran to help Friday night. Her unkind words come flooding back into her mind.
But again, in defensiveness, she says, “Well, Karen always asks me—like there’s nobody else that can do anything! I told her I’ve got a busy week this week,” Fran defends herself, knowing how lame it sounds. Fran knows that the real reason was because she wants to keep Friday evening open in case a better option comes along—like this man she’s been dating.
“I’m sorry, Lord,” Fran gets up to close her door, as the tears start to come. “I’m really sorry. I’ve been rotten lately. I haven’t spent any time with you, and I’m angry with everyone. Oh, I wish I could just fall into a hole somewhere. I’m really ashamed of myself. Will you please forgive me?”
Then she says, “You always forgive me so readily. Thank you!”