When I was in 6th grade, I attended a program called Frontline Clubs, similar to Awana, at my church. My teachers, Captain Eubanks and his wife (also addressed as Captain Eubanks), ran the sixth grade as though it were a mini Marines boot camp in all the best ways. We drilled memory verses, learned to teach younger classes, snapped to attention at the drop of a hat, and were ‘promoted’ as we showed growth in our abilities and character. The whole class grew to love and deeply respect our leaders. One of the key memories that I pray will stay with me for the rest of my life from them is what they taught us to say whenever someone asked this specific question.

“Attention!”

We all would stand up smartly and come to attention. He would then walk down the line and greet each of us in turn.

“Private Davis, how are you doing this evening?”

I would look him in the eye, salute, and respond, “Better than I deserve, sir!”

“At ease, Private Davis. Very good.”

Captain Eubanks taught us that such a response could easily begin a Gospel conversation when someone asks what we mean by “better than we deserve.” And even if they don’t comment on it, it will most likely stick with them, and they can think about it for the rest of their day. 

As someone who struggles with sharing the Gospel with strangers and people whom I know need to receive it, this habit has helped me exponentially in my life since then. 

The question “How are you doing?” is relatively straightforward. It’s a way to open a conversation and show you care about the other’s well-being. 

Often, we will respond with a quick, non-committal “Good” or “I’m well” without truly taking the time to fully realize or express gratitude for the other person taking the time to check in on us.

The rest of the time, often to friends with whom we feel more comfortable, we swing to the other extreme and say exactly how we feel, dumping our days and feelings on them.

What my teacher instilled in me and my class was the desire to bring even the smallest of conversations to glorify Christ and give thanks and honor to Him.

I have messed up bigtime throughout my life, but Jesus took away the penalty of my sins on Himself at the cross so that I do not have to pay my own deserved debt. When I say that I’m doing better than I deserve, I’m saying, “I’m under grace! My sin is covered! I can live forever in Heaven because Jesus has paid my debt and given me His place there. Grace has been showered upon me.” Or, in the most essential words, “Grace!”

Grace is when God gives you something good that you did not deserve. That is everything you see, smell, taste, touch, hear; every breath you take, every song you sing, every friend you have, that’s grace. The Gospel is grace, and by sharing grace, you are sharing the Gospel.

Try it out sometime. If the other person asks you what you mean, you’ve got an open invitation to share the Gospel! I’m praying for you as you share grace in Christ’s strength and for His glory.

I’ll see you along the Way!