We’re Speaking – But Are They Listening?

on Mar 08 in Everyday Life, Leadership

Christians speak truth with two voices.  One voice is Scripture.  The other voice is their own brokenness.

When Christians speak the voice of Scripture, it usually starts with, “The Bible says…”, “Thus saith the Lord”, or “Jesus taught about this topic, and here’s what he said…”  In the best case, a pastor/teacher uses this voice when helping his congregation live more like Christ.  In the worst case, Christians stand from a distance and rain down biblical standards over people who don’t even believe in the Bible.  Both are using the voice of Scripture to communicate.  And both do this (I believe) out of a legitimate concern to communicate God’s voice.

When Christians speak with the voice of their own brokenness, they’re admitting some past or present hurt or struggle.  They’re allowing us into their soul.  They’re risking reputation in order to communicate – their heart to ours.  They’re using the voice of their own brokenness to communicate truth to us.  As you know, this can be extremely healing.

While I hear both voices equally, the voice of someone’s brokenness changes me more profoundly than the voice of Scripture.

Unless…

Unless a third alternative comes into play.

For me, the most profound personal change in my heart comes when someone speaks the voice of Scripture, in brokenness.

I contend that Scripture comes alive in the hearts of people most when it’s delivered from one self-professed beggar to another.  We can tell the story of Jesus, or we can share the story of Jesus.

I’m finding that no one really wants to hear what I think the Bible says unless the words are tied to my own very personal, verbalized brokenness.

For people whose ears were already bent in the direction of Jesus, I don’t think he shouted.  I think he spoke softly, with compassion and understanding.

The way we communicate the heart of God to people was never meant to be shouted with a bullhorn, but whispered through tears.  And even though I may deeply desire to stand on a rooftop and proclaim the wonders of God, I need to ask myself if that desire stems from a heart that’s full of brokenness…

or the arrogant desire to prove myself correct.