I went prepared to the Baptist Assembly.
In my bag I had a small selection of magic tricks in case somebody had a sudden deficiency of entertainment and the shout went out, “Is there a magician in the hotel?” Sadly there was no such call. The tricks stayed in my bag, except for a couple of occasions when I was on a train and got them out to practice. I received a strange look from the lady sitting opposite me. It was not an “Ooh, please show me a trick” sort of look. It was more “What on earth are you doing?”. So I did not inflict my tricks on her.
I have become a little more self-aware about my magic tricks and how, in the desperate search for an audience I can be a bit overzealous. I realise now that there have been times when I have bored people with trick after trick. Most of the time they have humoured me and tolerated me. If you recognise yourself as an unwilling or unwitting victim of my tricks, please accept my apologies.
(On the other hand, if you would LIKE to be an audience, you only have to ask once!)
I have come across Christians who have a similar approach to sharing their faith. They inflict themselves on others rather than responding to invitations. They force their opinions on people rather than listening to what the others have to say. They are more willing to give answers than ask questions.
Often Jesus responded to questions and enquiries by asking the questioner a question in response. It was not that he was being evasive. Rather he was trying to engage in a dialogue. In effect he was saying, “What do you think?” or “Let’s work this through together.” It’s not so easy to do this if you feel you have a good answer to someone’s question. But it is humble, gracious, respectful and enables others to express their opinions while considering yours. I am sorry if you have ever been a victim of an over-zealous Christian. Please don’t let it put you off exploring the questions you have. And if you want to try me, I do not have all the answers, but I am learning some good questions.
Be blessed, be a blessing.
A man goes to a theatrical agent and asks if she will represent him.
“What do you do?” she asked.
“I am a magician,” says the man, “I am the Great Magnifico!”
“Hmmmm,” muses the agent. “What is your signature trick?”
“I saw people in half,” said the magician proudly, pausing for effect.
The agent was unimpressed. “There are lots of magicians who saw people in half,” she said. “You will have to do something better than that if you want to be successful.”
The Great Magnifico smiled and gently added, “…lengthways.”
nukelearfishing 
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