I started listening to a podcast this morning.
Started to.
You see, I was completely turned off in the first 3 minutes by the opening presenters.
Why?
Because of their words.
Deep, liturgical, intellectual words. I’m sure the man speaking thought he sounded really smart–maybe even knowledgeable. But he made me feel stupid. Inferior. Ignorant.
And, I’m not. None of us are. Every one is smart and knowledgeable in something.
Why do we make church life so complicated?
As a Christian and a Christ Follower, we’ve got to stop using words that no one understands. We crave new members at our churches, but when a new person comes through our doors we spout “Church Speak” at them. It turned me away today. What is doing to a new Christian? A visitor? A person with questions?
I understand the holiness of our God and the deeply rooted liturgical faith of many believers. (I am one of them.) And, in certain circles, go liturgical crazy! But, in others, as Jesus did, speak to the masses. Speak to God’s children. Jesus speaks to us where we are.
I stuck with it a little longer in this podcast, because my curiosity had me asking, “I wonder how the main speaker speaks?”
Did he use long, hard, make-me-feel-stupid words?
No.
He spoke in love…about love.
He used words that everyone could understand–an adult, a child, a teen.
Because, in the true language of Christ, we should all understand.
So, now, I’m going to listen to the rest of the podcast, drink some coffee and reflect on our my words affect people. And, maybe today, I can speak love and touch the heart of God.
“May these words of my mouth and this meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, LORD, my Rock and my Redeemer.”
Psalm 19:14 (NIV)
“People were bringing little children to Jesus for him to place his hands on them, but the disciples rebuked them. When Jesus saw this, he was indignant. He said to them, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. Truly I tell you, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.” And he took the children in his arms, placed his hands on them and blessed them.“
Mark 10:13-16 (NIV)
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