Month: August 2013

For when there are many words, they increase futility. What is the advantage for man?Ecclesiastes 5:11

I tend to be talkative and have been told I occasionally repeat myself. You would not know that growing up I was very shy and did not talk much. As a young teenager I had one friend with whom I cut yards and socialized. As I grew older I started to come out of my shell and resolved to become outgoing. Thereafter as a student pastor, I was seldom at a loss for words.

This Scripture reminds us that too many words can be futile. A sound communication tip is that one should say what needs to be said and then grow quiet. As a minister I have tried to follow this principle when preaching. When a sermon is longer than 30 minutes, I have observed that I begin to lose the congregation’s attention. I once served with a pastor who felt that if he could not deliver his message in 20 minutes, it was not worth preaching. Generally speaking, more words are not necessarily more effective than fewer words.

Challenge: Be careful to K.I.S.S – Keep It Short and Simple. Watch what you say before God who is in heaven. Ask Him to help you choose your words wisely so you communicate effectively. Listen to “Let My Words Be Few” by Matt Redman on Youtube at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fpcxxIBUIzo

Proclaim the message; persist in it whether convenient or not; rebuke, correct, and encourage with great patience and teaching. 2 Timothy 4:2 HCSB

As a parent I have had to give instruction and correction to all four of my children over the years. At the same time all of my children also needed to hear encouraging words and praise. We all want to hear our parents say, “Good Job”. The same is true in the work force. As I have conducted annual reviews for employees, I have always tried to provide some positive words while also giving words of guidance if needed.

Paul encouraged Timothy to fulfill his ministry, to be persistent in proclaiming the message even when it was not easy. Timothy was to rebuke, correct, and teach the people with a spirit of patience and encouragement. There must be a balance between rebuking and and encouraging people who need direction. It is sometimes difficult to be patient when we understand what people should be doing and it appears they aren’t making the necessary effort to succeed. Paul admonishes that we are to have great patience.

Challenge – As a believer you should proclaim the Good News to those with whom you have contact every day. It should be done with gentleness and patience. If you must rebuke and correct, be sure to include a word of encouragement.