Simple. Direct. To The Point

Comedian Jeff Allen talks about how, in his marriage, he learned  that if his wife wanted something, she'd ask a question. Early on, he wondered,

"Would she ever come to me and say “Pick those up?” Never. Why? Because that would be simple. Direct. And right to the point. And at that moment, I, her husband, would know exactly what she wants from me. I’d be able to process the information and make a rational decision as to whether I could deliver the request. At that moment, we would be communicating at the highest human level. The way God intended it. Through LANGUAGE." - Jeff Allen  But no...instead she asks "Are those yours?"

Communication is easy to fumble. In marriage. In the classroom. Among friends. And as we've all experienced, on social media. Perhaps, the most dangerous...misunderstandings amidst the church. Granted, some of it is easy to correct. Much of it, probably not eternally-relevant. However, that shouldn't cause us to be lax in guarding against miscommunication in matters that are eternally-relevant. Such as what takes place in ministry. Such as what is spoken from the pulpit. Careful and wise should we be with words, as Scripture advises.

Pray, this Sunday, that church services would be efficient and effective in their communication. May misunderstandings be few, if not non-existent. Pray that what's spoken in classes and church cafes, conversations in the lobby and the sermon from the pulpit would encourage the believer, strengthen the body of Christ, reinforce the building of faith and draw people closer to God. Pray, that regardless of oratory skill and finesse, the Holy Spirit would transcend the speaker, touch the heart of the hearer; to the one who has an ear, may the hear what God has for them with no room for error. Simple. Direct. Relevant.

-PNC

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