CWW Week 27 - Day 2 - Keeping Church Simple

Scripture

Proverbs 17:27 – “The one who has knowledge uses words with restraint, and whoever has understanding is even-tempered.”

Wisdom involves knowing when to speak and using fewer words, which conveys clarity and understanding rather than unnecessary elaboration.

Being able to read the room is a gift possessed by too few people. Knowing how much to say and when to say it is paramount in getting a message across.

Feeling compressed by time often has us cramming in too many words for fear of not getting the message across. It is imperative that we bring people along on the journey with us and that requires patience and perseverance.

There is so much to unpack from this scripture.

Knowledge brings confidence and with it an even temper but it must be tempered with understanding. Understanding what? The people we are communicating with need to be fed at a rate that does not drown out their curiosity in the flood of information that they just can’t begin to comprehend.

If we can see clearly that time is short and the train whistle can be heard around the bend then we must give people information on a need to know basis that is prioritised for their salvation. 

They need to know that Jesus died for their sins, that they are a work in progress and the importance of repentance. I think of the eleventh hour workers in the parable of the vineyard who received the same reward as those who were hired at dawn to start the harvest.

So if “the ones who have knowledge” relates to you and me, then we need to show restraint and bring people to faith gently to set them on the journey to eternal life and salvation.

Remembering my own journey into faith I was overwhelmed by interpretations of the book of Revelation. While revelation seminars led to many coming to faith it was way too much for me at the time.

I needed to know who Jesus was before I could even contemplate a living, saving relationship with Him. It was not until I understood who Jesus was that I was able to kick off my journey with the desire to know more.

I realised that a man I had never met over two thousand years ago had died to give a sinner like me a second chance and that’s what got me locked into the journey that has given my life so much purpose and meaning now.

Clarity of explanation with minimum words is the key to comprehension when we approach the new concepts of faith for non believers.

Real life testimony can’t be beaten when it comes to sharing and spreading the Gospel. Our story is His story and when we come into relationship with Jesus there are miracles that may never be comprehended.

It has been said that one good testimony is worth more than a hundred sermons.

So how do we proceed? 

We must first realise that we may well be the only Bible that anyone ever reads. The desire to know more comes from our daily witness in our words, actions, thoughts and deeds.

There is a serenity that comes with faith in Christ and who wouldn’t like a dose of that in their lives?

Questions.

1. Have you ever felt intimidated by others knowledge when they talk about God?
2. Can you remember what stirred your interest when you took your first steps?
3. As a Christian of many years, are you prepared to walk someone through the basics being led by the Holy Spirit?

Prayer.

Dear Lord, Papa God.

Help me to moderate my expressions of faith in ways that spark interest and not drown potential. Help me to impart the basics to start someone on a meaningful journey and grow me in the process. Give me the comfort of Your Holy Spirit being unafraid of my own lack of knowledge knowing that You will coach me through the difficult questions. Give me the humility to admit I don’t have all the answers and take me where I need to go to get them is my prayer in the precious name of Jesus. Amen.

Have a great day today with Jesus.

Graham Hood.