It’s All Caught … Then Explained
Some think it’s clever to parrot, “That’s one of those things that is more caught than taught.” No longer funny nor clever. Please explain what isn’t caught. One thing – please. Somebody. “Bueller, Bueller, has anyone seen Ferris Bueller?”
When we serve others it is natural they ask, “So what’s this all about?”
Peter said, “Be ready to give an account of the hope that lies within you…” Many have given their version of what Pete was alluding to. My shot in light of the context of his comments is this: His comments on this are located near the question of how to win a not-yet believing spouse. The answer is simple and by the way, flies in the face of dozens of messages I have heard from well-intentioned teachers. Peter says, “Live a stellar life… be careful to not over-use words with those closest near you…” That is a summary of course. You read it. If you hyperventilate I’m sorry but that is what Peter says. You may want to read it several times after breathing into a brown paper bag if the hyperventilation begins to occur.
Talk Less Or You Might Become Toxic
Peter is clarifying there comes a time when words can begin to cocoon people away from the message. Uhh. Do words get in the way of the message? Absolutely. If you are an adult convert you understood this clearly once upon a time whether you can remember that now or not. In case you can’t remember that just spend half an hour at Starbucks and ask some friendly faces after you’ve paid for their venti-sized coffee drinks. They will confirm Peter’s two-thousand-year-old inspired insight.
“Might” become toxic – some have the learned skill of talking when its time to talk and listening in the right proportions. Listening a lot is the way we earn the right to have the barest bit of integrity that allows us to become people who can connect with those around us who are in the funnel coming toward Christ.
Ever try to make a withdrawal without first a deposit in the account at your bank? You won’t get very far. I see people who are trying to “do evangelism” (those two words are pregnant – “Can I do evangelism to you?”)
Deposits come in many ways.
Listening is one of the most profound ways.
Listening is perhaps most often done by us slowing down and literally using our ears – however, listening is a comprehensive activity. We listen with our entire being…
Body language communicates with our entirety that we are an audience to what the person in front of us is about – that what they are up to is IMPORTANT – to us… and guess what – to God.
No deposit. No right whatsoever to begin to make a penny’s worth of withdrawal.
Never again a conversation that has been memorized…
Hi, my name is uh… (now quickly glance at cue card in left, no, right hand) uh, Steve…
May I share something with you that is very, very important to me…?
The above actually does “work” with those on the east side of town in Lemming, Iowa, and Syracuse, East Virginia. But since 1974 no reports of church growth have been reported that are deemed credible.
