It’s a line from a Star Trek movie. (Big surprise, huh?)

Specifically, Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan, when Captain Spock’s meditations are interrupted by his C.O., Admiral Kirk – who is apologetically pulling rank to divert Spock’s ship to a crisis. Spock insists that he assume command. Kirk declines. Spock replies:

“If I may be so bold, it was a mistake for you to accept promotion. Commanding a starship is your first, best destiny; anything else is a waste of material.”

We all need – and deserve – a friend who will be painfully honest with us; who will point out to us our possible lapses in judgment – even our career choices – and be confident that the friendship will survive it.

We all need friends who are familiar enough with human courtesy to introduce their opinions with “If I may be so bold …” Even if there is no difference in rank, or race, or blood, or belief. Or if there’s a world of difference.

And we all need to be such friends to others.

What might happen if we as believers in Christ gently confronted some of our friends with a mildly-stated opinion, like:

“If I may be so bold, you seem restless; unsatisfied in your career choice ….” “… your current relationship ….” “… your spirituality ….” ?

Or asked, “Do you ever feel called to a life that is more than what you’re living now?”

Or went for broke and said, “Have I ever told you that I care about your soul as deeply as if it were my very own?”

Or even went further and admitted, “I think the choice(s) you’ve made are mistaken, taking you somewhere you may not really want to go.”

I know; I know. That’s meddling. But that’s what we’re called to do: Meddle. Not judge people, but judge their actions. Not love all their actions, but love people. We get that so mixed up sometimes.

– If I may be so bold as to point it out.