For much of my adult life, my days have been spent with children, mostly toddlers. Between raising my own, doing daycare, and then tending to my grandchildren, one might say I have had more conversations with toddlers than adults.
Most days it seemed like I was under observation, having to explain all I did, down to the littlest detail. It’s the way toddlers process life and learn. Actually, we all learn much the same way – observing, comparing, contrasting, and conversing.
Jesus did the same when engaging the crowds. He conversed using analogies the people would be able to relate to and easily understand. He shared occurrences in nature and behaviors to make a point the people would be able to grasp and remember.
He did not attempt to impress the crowds with His intelligence, concepts, and vocabulary. Jesus did not throw theological terms around, not even to the educated Scribes and Pharisees.
Paul, being well educated himself, also knew simple was better:
“And pray for me, too.
Ask God to give me the right words
so I
can boldly explain God’s mysterious plan
that the Good News is for Jews
and Gentiles alike.”
(Ephesians 6:19, NLT)
Paul prayed for God to give him the right words for the right audience. And so should we. May we be dependent on God in every conversation, and for every word which we speak.
“From the fruit of their lips people are filled with good things,
and the work of their hands brings them reward.”
(Proverbs 12:14, NIV)
Let’s ask God for the right words so
our words and conversations can bear fruit
and fill others with good things.
Reflection:
How can we fill ourselves so that we are better able to give out the
right words in conversation? Are there Scriptures you have memorized
that have come back to mind as needed while in a conversation?
Photo by Kelly Sikkema on Unsplash
I've spent about 40 years so far talking to children/teens - LOL. One of the most fulfilling and satisfying parts of those times are the discussions, analogies created, stories created to make an indirect point. The scriptures God has given me in the seasons of various challenges are the ones that have gone deep, resonated, and stayed. At the right time, God brings them to recollection - maybe not the exact quote, but the exact intent - in prayer for family, friends, and in our Hotdog & Prayer ministry. God in His abundance shows up, giving the right words - and the right scriptures.
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