Sad to say, exaggeration in religious circles is the order of the day. It is jokingly referred to as speaking “evangelastically.” That is why Billy Graham at the start of his ministry made a covenant with his team not to exaggerate his crusade attendance figures.
In my years of ministry I’ve seen many forms of religious exaggeration. And truth be told, at times I have fallen prey to it myself.
We live in a world where the ethical scales that should maintain a proper balance between private disclosure and public exposure have gone awry. Public exposure more often than not is outweighing and countermanding the Biblical priority of private disclosure.
Hardly a day goes by that we do not hear some breaking news about another celebrity indiscretion, marriage infidelity, business corruption and even church leader hypocrisy. You can insert the current names that come to mind here. They are the ones who fuel the ratings of likes of TMZ and provide the material for the late night comedians.
Sin gets way to much public exposure! It’s bad enough in private. And who in their right mind would want their dirty little secrets shouted publicly from the housetops? (Luke 12:3)
The priority of private disclosure Read More »
“Wake up and look around, the fields are already ripe for harvest.” John 4:35
Jesus’ way of lovingly engaging with people, disarming their defense mechanisms and speaking insight-fully into their lives never ceases to amaze me. He exemplifies, like no one else, the ability to reach across every barrier and befriend people no matter what their age, gender, social status, ethnicity or religious persuasion. The fact that he was criticized for being a “friend of publicans (tax collectors) and sinners” testifies to that fact. (Matthew 11:19)
What was Jesus’ secret? How did he engage with people and direct the conversation toward spiritual things?
His encounter with the woman at the well in John 4 provides four wonderful insights into how to befriend people for eternal purposes.
Friendliness is next to Godliness Read More »
Probably the biggest obstacle we face in receiving and benefiting from truth, particularly the last 10%, is our consideration of the source.
You can’t handle the truth? Here’s why. Read More »
Hearing the last 10% has more to do with seeking to hear with humility what God is saying than focusing on what the person is saying and/or how they are sharing it.
How to hear the last 10% Read More »
