Do We Use Too Many Words to Sell Christ?
Maybe less is best so ears can hear
Anyone with ears to hear must listen to the Spirit and understand what he is saying to the churches. (Revelations 2:17, NLT)
When in school, one particular teacher would drone on, talking in circles. I couldn’t understand a thing she said. My mind would begin to wander. After class, I would have my friend, June, explain how to solve the geometry problems in straightforward terms — no fluff. Then it made sense.
A little simplicity may go a long way in this world of chaos, a fast world that bombards our senses. I know when I stop for a moment to let my senses take in the simple things: the sound of the clock ticking on the wall, the smell of rolls baking in the oven (not my rolls — I rarely bake), a view of rolling hills, and a butterfly floating on the wind, I obtain a calming clarity. The world makes sense and is beautiful.
We may do better to share Christ with fewer words. When we muck up the message of Christ, make it too difficult to comprehend, or plant seeds of doubt and fear, the mind of one listening may become distracted, fretful, or confused. Are these the methods that Christ intended? Maybe so, but sometimes, in my humble opinion, less is best.
Did Jesus preach long messages? We don’t know for sure as the Bible does not give us every detail. The most extended speech is the Sermon on the Mound found in Matthew 5–7. I read it out loud, and it took me 16 minutes. Jesus gave His points, did not talk in circles, and pointed out the difference between religion and a relationship.
If we use fewer words and exemplify Christ’s likeness through Christ-like actions, the message will not leave the receiver wondering, “Why would I want to come to Christ when I am already better than this person who professes Christ?”
- Being braggadocios about our religious accomplishments places our witness over a precarious precipice of ruination. The higher the pedestal, the longer the fall.
- Getting too technical promotes religious precepts and ordinances. We already have a book of the law in the Old Testament.
- Threatening one to Christ in a world of fear-filled people places Christ as a promoter of fear.
In (Matthew 13:9, NLT) Jesus says,
Anyone with ears to hear should listen and understand.
Most people have ears, but many cannot listen and understand. We can simplify the message to get to the heart of the matter.
Here is the message:
- God loves you beyond all your imagination.
- Jesus wants to have a relationship with you.
- He is a friend that will never leave or forsake you.
- Christ will forgive your sins, guide you, and bring you peace, comfort, and guidance.
Don’t promise heaven or threaten hell. People need Jesus for the here and now. Your friend may already be fearful, so a God who calms fears is just what is required. A neighbor who is confused yearns for a God of direction. A teen full of rage needs a God of peace. One who is lonely needs a friend, and that friend could be you as a representation of Christ.
Be more than a salesman. Listen to the heart and offer what God can provide.
Let your actions do most of the talking. The idiom, “Actions speak louder than words.” speaks volumes. No matter how eloquently put or loquacious you are, an ear will not hear if love is not in action.
