By David Ettinger
Explaining His Actions
Pitcher Adam Wainwright of the St. Louis Cardinals is a Bible-believing Christian. As a member of a professional sports team, he has teammates from all walks of life, which means he interacts daily with a far greater diversity of individuals than your “typical” evangelical.
Wainwright recently donned a “Black Lives Matter” shirt, explaining: “As a Christian man, my job first and foremost is to love my neighbor and to love my teammates and to love my friends and my family the best way I know how. … By wearing that shirt, by wearing this patch, by being there [for several of his black teammates] … it’s given me a lot of opportunity to share my faith in different ways that I never thought would be possible.”[1]
Regarding Wainwright’s Christian faith, the article tells us: “Wainwright is known around the league as an outspoken Christian. This year, he led an online Bible study that involved thousands of people.”[2]
If in a similar situation as Wainwright – perhaps if you worked in a highly-diversified workplace – would you do the same for the purpose of sharing the Gospel?
A Personal Account
An instance from my not-so-recent past comes to mind. I want to reference this with a Bible passage – 1 Corinthians 9:19-23 – which has had great meaning for me for about 30 years. Here is an abbreviated version: “Though I am free and belong to no one, I have made myself a slave to everyone, to win as many as possible. … I have become all things to all people so that by all possible means I might save some. I do all this for the sake of the gospel, that I may share in its blessings.”
Back in the late 1990s when I worked for the El Paso Times, after “locking up” the paper on Friday nights, several of the reporters would frequent a bar – and sometimes a strip club – to unwind. Even though my fellow journalists knew I was a Christian and didn’t drink, they would invite me. Generally, it really was out of kindness, as they liked me, but they also joked that they would love to see a Christian in “a place like that.”
Finally, I told them: “I’ll tell you what, the strip club is out; I can’t go there. However, I can definitely hang out in a bar with you, under one condition – you let me share my faith with you.”
All around our booth, four-letter words were flying, but for about 45 minutes, the five of us were discussing Jesus Christ. No professions of faith were made, but the Gospel was rightly shared. My four friends may not have agreed with what I said (none today are saved), but they could have told you what my message was.
I became “all things” for the sake of sharing the Gospel with my friends, and got the opportunity.
What About a BLM Shirt?
Now, say you had a few black neighbors, workmates, or friends who you wanted to share the Gospel with them and they told you: “We’ll make you a deal: If you agree to wear a ‘Black Lives Matter’ shirt, we promise you an hour of our time, and that we will legitimately and politely listen to what you have to say.”
Would you take them up on their offer?
I know this is more complicated than just going into a bar, as the Black Lives Matter organization (as opposed to the movement) is highly controversial. For Adam Wainwright, the “opportunity to share my faith” was worth it. What about you? If such a spiritual and eternal opportunity came but involved compromising some temporal beliefs, would you do what Wainwright did?
Would I do it? If it meant an unhindered opportunity to share the Gospel for an hour, I would. I would accept the fact that the Lord had led me to this opportunity, and would consider those souls which desperately needed to be saved.
In eternity, all things of this Earth will have passed away, and all that will matter is how we responded to the Lord Jesus Christ.
Please, let me know what you think?
[1] https://www.christianheadlines.com/contributors/michael-foust/cardinals-wainwright-says-christian-faith-led-him-to-wear-black-lives-matter-shirt.html
[2] Ibid.
EttingerWriting.com 
Thaddeus Irvine
July 31, 2020
No shirt for me. I don’t support socio-political Marxism,nor do I advertise it.
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dettinger47
July 31, 2020
Thank you, Thaddeus.
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jarilissima
July 31, 2020
No.
Someone that makes such a deal doesn’t really want to hear the Gospel. Sounds like they just want to say “jump,” and have you reply “how high?” The offer does not sound in good faith.
After John 6:26, when Jesus says “Very truly I tell you, you are looking for me, not because you saw the signs I performed but because you ate the loaves and had your fill” and people left, did he go:
Wait! Please! Don’t go! I’ll do anything!
No. He let them go. Because following Jesus takes heart, not convincing or cajoling or strange deals. Doesn’t matter if it’s a popular slogan or a charity catchphrase or a dunce cap.
Simply put: No.
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dettinger47
July 31, 2020
Well said, and thank you for your insights!
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jarilissima
July 31, 2020
You’re asking the hard questions, trying to get people cancelled! Hahah I’m kidding 🙂 But if I may ask a hard question in return, would you kneel for BLM?
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dettinger47
July 31, 2020
Good question. No, I wouldn’t kneel. We have to determine to what limits we will go to share the Gospel. To wear a shirt to share the Gospel, I think that’s fair. But kneeling, I believe, is to submit to a different authority other than Christ. That I won’t do.
Thanks for asking!!
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jarilissima
July 31, 2020
And thanks for taking the time to answer 🙂 Have a wonderful weekend!
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dettinger47
July 31, 2020
You as well!
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seekingdivineperspective
July 31, 2020
I have been thinking about the kneeling thing since I saw a video yesterday of a BLM person asking a random white woman to kneel on the sidewalk. She did, but that wasn’t enough. He then asked her to apologize. The video stopped there, so I don’t know what she did. Not sure what would have been the next demand if she had apologized.
I had some thoughts on what I would have said to him, which may show up in a future post…
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dettinger47
July 31, 2020
I draw the line at kneeling!
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Blue Collar Theologian
July 31, 2020
Hi, David! I read this article last night and have been asking myself this same question. My answer is that it is complicated! 1 Corinthians 9:22 is my horizontal life verse; Acts 20:24 is my vertical. My life is based on telling and showing others the Good News of Jesus Christ by becoming all things to all people so long as I am not in conflict with God’s character, Scripture etc. If I were in Wainwright’s situation, I may possibly wear the shirt. I most certainly would not wear the shirt just because. I do NOT wear any article of clothing by any designer/logo/saying just to make a statement (that’s not to say I don’t have t-shirts with sayings on them like, “There’s no crying in baseball”). I personally do not find it productive to wear something that will purposefully provoke some to anger and others to agree. I find that to be anti Gospel. I take Paul’s command seriously to live peaceably with others (my immediate family may disagree with this!). However, it is becoming more and more difficult to live peaceably with people while remaining firm in our convictions. David, I am glad and encouraged to hear about you talking with your friends about your faith at the bar. I think Christians should be way more willing to practice their faith in such a manner. Thank you for again allowing me space to process a question that I have been asking myself (I won’t be offended if you don’t post this!). Stay safe with the coming hurricane, I am praying for you!!
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dettinger47
July 31, 2020
Thanks so much, Mandy. Definitely a touch subject, and you expressed your feelings well!
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seekingdivineperspective
July 31, 2020
Amen, Mandy.
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Blue Collar Theologian
July 31, 2020
Annie, thank you for your encouragement!
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dettinger47
July 31, 2020
Hi Mandy. Are you on Facebook? I’ve got some angry comments there. You’d find them interesting.
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Blue Collar Theologian
July 31, 2020
Hi, David! No, I am not on Facebook. I do not doubt for one second that you have some angry comments!
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dettinger47
July 31, 2020
I don’t look to stir things up, but I certainly don’t mind doing it. It’s good to get discussions going!
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Bruce Cooper
July 31, 2020
Hi David, yes I would, in the circumstances you indicate and it might interest you to know that I did what you did (similar) when I was in the military on more than one occasion. People in the military have a tendency to go to their applicable “Mess” after a long shift or whatever. Most times, at work, I had an opportunity to talk to each of my co-workers and even some of my superiors about my faith. On more than one posting , my faith was strongly supported by my superiors and a large part of that support came about because of the manner in which I interacted with my co-workers and superiors. I was also invited to go to the mess for a “wet”. There was another Christian where I worked at one posting I was at, that had a tendency to come across as a “fire and brimstone” witness and it did not go over well. When I was asked to go to the Mess after a shift, I went occasionally and the guys that I worked with thanked me for coming over. I just had a coke and only spent about an hour there but I spent time with them and they noted the difference between myself and the “fire and brimstone” guy and actually told me (at the Mess) that they appreciated it, because the other Christian would not go to the Mess. They knew that the other fellow and I were both Christians but they were more open to listening to me because I was more open to accepting them as they were. Obviously there are different circumstances that call for different responses but how you accept and treat others can predetermine how they will listen to you. I grant you, there can be a fine line, but I think as long as your presence and conduct does not violate any of God’s principles (strip clubs would be a no no), and it is done for the right intent, I think is it OK. Actually I think Jesus demonstrated this when He ate with the Tax Collectors and sinners. Different situations call for different responses but there are definitely times when a Christian can “be with” but not necessarily “be of”. I’m thinking that you already knew I would respond to this! Blessings!
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dettinger47
July 31, 2020
Thanks for sharing this, Bruce. And I like how you tied it all into Jesus’ eating with the tax collectors. Regarding wearing a BLM shirt, like you said, it would have to be with specific guidelines, but if it is a true opportunity to save a soul, I think we have to overlook our preferences.
Much thanks, Bruce!
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Jack Corcoran
July 31, 2020
NO, I would not. However, I would wear an All Lives Matter because we are all God’s children. No one race is better than another and I would not make that insinuation.
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dettinger47
July 31, 2020
Thank you, Jack.
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seekingdivineperspective
July 31, 2020
I would like to have a Tshirt with a statement but not the BLM logo. Maybe black letters on a white Tshirt, (different font) saying, “EVERY black life matters,” to get a conversation going about loving all black people, as opposed to the narrow little group the BLM organization focuses on. For example, what about black police officers? Do their lives matter? How about black people who have been killed in the riots, most of them kids – do their lives matter? What about black business owners who have lost their livelihood recently due to the riots – Do their lives matter? How about black conservatives – Clarence Thomas, Ben Carson, Denzel Washington, Morgan Freeman, etc. Do their lives matter? What about the HUNDREDS OF THOUSANDS of black lives snuffed out by Planned Parenthood over the years – do THEIR lives matter??? I would then want to talk to anyone who would listen about the God who values EVERY life, including theirs.
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dettinger47
July 31, 2020
All great points, and I absolutely agree. But, if under the limited guidelines I’ve mentioned, I’d still take the opportunity to share the Gospel. Much thanks for your reply!
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seekingdivineperspective
July 31, 2020
Yes, obviously (or if it’s not obvious, I’m saying it now), if time were more limited I’d cut to the chase and share the gospel FIRST. 😉
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Thaddeus Irvine
July 31, 2020
I guess if I DID decide to wear a BLM T-shirt (which supports explosive issues such as Critical Race Theory, Socio-political Marxism, Anarchy), then I could have the bLM T-Shirt and underneath it I could write “Why are you so afraid of a socialist economy.” On the back, I would quip, “Because Americans want to walk their dogs…not eat them!”
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vicklea
July 31, 2020
In the current climate in which BLM has attracted Antifa followed by a great deal of destruction of monuments that have stood for a century or more, my short answer would be “no”. I cannot support the movement or anything it stand for because it does not stand for anything godly. I think that if I were to offer to join in their “peaceful protest” that they would not want me there because I would sincerely want it to be really peaceful. These riots have been nothing like what Dr. King offered as examples of protests. I’m really sickened by the BLM movement, the Antifa goons and the AOC philosophy. Right now, I’m very frightened for our country, so I can’t see myself wearing a shirt that represents those who want to destroy all it stands for. God bless America!
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dettinger47
July 31, 2020
Hi, thanks for the feedback, Vickie. I agree with what you say regarding BLM, but with the opportunity staring me right in the face to share the Gospel with lost souls, I’d be able to overlook all that. Who know that sharing the Gospel would not reach their hearts for eternity? I would hate to have to face God and tell Him I chose worldly issues over this golden eternal-life-changing opportunity.
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vicklea
July 31, 2020
You are very correct, David, but I was being totally honest. Right now, there is no way I could wear one of those shirts. I would feel like a traitor to all those who have died as a result of their actions, especially the police officers.
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dettinger47
July 31, 2020
For sure, Vickie, those are good points. Definitely a matter of conviction and from what angle you’re coming at it from.
If you have time to take a quick hop over to my Facebook page, we’ve got quite a few angry and interesting comments there! You might find them interesting.
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vicklea
July 31, 2020
Thanks, David. I will do that.
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heavensreef
July 31, 2020
How can we win souls to CHRIST anyway, if we are never around people who are NOT Christians??!! Right now everything is so political and people attacking people for wearing either the wrong hat or shirt concerns me. If I was in a controlled setting yes, but out in public honestly no, like walking down the street…….I guess it would take courage, prayer and asking GOD to protect the one who wears it. I cannot believe that we are where we are right now in the USA…….our freedom of expression is gone to say the least. All of it greatly saddens me. I do like the idea that “I will do for you, if you let me share the Gospel” it is a great way to somehow begin with someone and now you have given me a few ideas!!
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dettinger47
July 31, 2020
Thank you, Maxine. Excellent insights.
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The Son Of God
July 31, 2020
NO!!
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dettinger47
July 31, 2020
Short and sweet! Thank you.
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Angel at Watchyourlifeinpictures
July 31, 2020
“What you win them with, is what you win them to.”
There is no hope and no salvation in Marxism.
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dettinger47
July 31, 2020
Thanks for commenting, but I’m not quite sure what you’re getting at. What if I preach the Gospel to them and “win them” to Christ?
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Angel at Watchyourlifeinpictures
August 1, 2020
If the blm shirt and what it represents is part of the message, then how is that the Gospel?
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dettinger47
August 1, 2020
You’re totally missing the point. The shirt is a way to get to the message. Once the Gospel is being shared, I guarantee you all that other stuff will be forgotten.
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Angel at Watchyourlifeinpictures
August 1, 2020
If you don’t believe in the Marxism of BLM, why wear a lie on your chest? You preach the gospel by opening with being a liar? Pretending to embrace Marxism? Then hope someone forgets you were pretending to endorse Marxism?
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dettinger47
August 1, 2020
Absolutely ridiculous statement and thinking. The worst racism of all is not to give the Gospel to those who need it and are willing to listen to it. If BLM supporters said to me, “We’ll listen to the Gospel if you just empathize with us for now by wearing the shirt,” I would do it. The Gospel has the power the change lives for eternity; all human logic … such us what you’ve been spouting … will fade into oblivion.
You, and others in this comment section, can hold to your unbiblical stances, but when I stand before God, I’m not going to have to explain why I didn’t give the message of eternal life to those who desperately needed it when the opportunity was there. It is the sick that needs the Gospel, not the well.
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Angel at Watchyourlifeinpictures
August 1, 2020
Or you could be a true Christian and be true to the Gospel, instead of pretending that supporting Marxism ever saved one soul.
Here is an example of how to do that:
Orlando Magic player Jonathan Isaac chose to stand for the national anthem during Friday’s game against the Brooklyn Nets.
The 22-year-old NBA star was the only player that did not kneel or wear a t-shirt bearing the phrase “Black Lives Matter,” The Orlando Sentinel reports.
Isaac explained that he believes black lives do matter and he is supportive, but his life is grounded in God.
“I believe that black lives matter,” Isaac said. “Kneeling while wearing a black lives matter t-shirt don’t go hand-in-hand with supporting black lives. My life has been supported through the gospel – Jesus Christ and everyone is made in the image of God.”
“My teammates know who I am and what I believe as a person and they respected me for the decision. For me, personally, it’s not coming from a position of wanting to be popular or wanting to be seen; it all came down to what’s in my heart. I stake my flag with Jesus.”
Isaac, who joined Orlando Magic in 2017, became an ordained minister this year.”
Be like Isaac. Stake your flag with Jesus.
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Thaddeus Irvine
August 1, 2020
Does the end justify the means?
If so, then why not wear Pro ‘Gay’ or Pro Abortion/Pro Choice or Pro Trans T-Shirts?
This is spiritual & theological hypocrisy.
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Thaddeus Irvine
August 1, 2020
There is NO way you can give that guarantee!
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dettinger47
August 2, 2020
You’re correct, Thad, but I’d like to get that opportunity to find out! Thanks.
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Tom
July 31, 2020
Good question, David. I started out as a new Christian at an independent fundamental Baptist church where a circle-the-wagons, us-against-them, bunker mentality was promoted – not good – rather than emissarial outreach to unbelievers that you’re describing. Most IFB pastors back then preached that going to a movie theater was verboten let alone a bar or strip club. Yup, we can use less-than-desirable circumstances to spread the Gospel, circumstances that dour “church ladies” might frown upon. I couldn’t wear a BLM t-shirt personally, but each believer must follow the Lord’s leading in such circumstances.
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dettinger47
July 31, 2020
Thanks, Tom.
When I was a New York Jewish atheist living out in New Mexico and scorned all things Christian, I’m glad the evangelicals out there welcomed me, were patient with me, and didn’t scorn me back. If given uncomfortable conditions under which to share the Gospel (and yes, with limitations if necessary), I would take them.
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Lisa Beth
July 31, 2020
“As a Christian man, my job first and foremost is to love my neighbor and to love my teammates and to love my friends and my family….” WRONG, WRONG, WRONG.
“First and foremost” my friend is to ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your mind, all your soul and all your strength”
IF, you did the first and foremost, you wouldn’t dream of wearing BLM, knowing what they REALLY stand for as much as you wouldn’t wear a ‘rainbow pride’s shirt, knowing what it stands for.
Imitating the world greatly misrepresents and dishonors God – how can we believe He would come along side us sowing seeds?
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dettinger47
July 31, 2020
Thanks, Lisa Beth, but I don’t think it’s that cut-and-dried. He’s actually living with these men day-in and day-out and doing what his conscience allows.
He also said, “By wearing that shirt, by wearing this patch, by being there [for several of his black teammates] … it’s given me a lot of opportunity to share my faith in different ways that I never thought would be possible.”
I’m willing to give him the benefit of the doubt on that, and trust that he’s at peace with God.
Thanks for contributing, it’s been quite the discussion (also on my Facebook page)!
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Lisa Beth
July 31, 2020
Thank you David for your stirring post and thoughtful reply. But even knowing the socialist and anti-family foundational beliefs?
Is that really different than someone wearing gay pride shirt bc they work with homosexuals?
Brother, you’re shaking things up here! Press on…
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