Today is “Draw Muhammad Day.” I won’t be taking part.

One response will be, “Of course you won’t. You can’t even draw a straight line with a ruler!” Well, yes, that is true. But even if I could, I wouldn’t be joining in.

Some people will be “drawing Muhammad” today to mock those who kill (or threaten to kill) people who draw Muhammad. They observe that on some occasions drawing a picture can drive crowds into murderous frenzies. Others are happy to draw the pictures simply to mock Islam. “We’re more Enlightened than you are. So there!”

While mocking is better than killing, I can’t see either as an appropriate way for followers of Jesus to relate to outsiders. My primary calling is to help people become followers of Jesus. In my experience the practice of humility and respect has produced more fruit than mockery, derision, and superiority. I can’t imagine many people responding, “Your mockery has enlightened me. I think I will turn my back on Muhammad and embrace your ways.”

So what’s the alternative? Rather than simply not drawing Muhammad, how about a “Pray for Muslims Day?”