Disappointed Beginnings
Here it was, one of my most significant conversations ever with a colleague. He and I had begun a friendship where increasingly all of life, both the good and the bad, became part of our conversation. One day we were wrestling with understanding God’s role in his life. He wanted to know more—and I didn’t know what to say or how to say it.
Our conversation went well, but it could have gone better. I asked good questions and shared important information, but I wasn’t very clear. I had made the Gospel more complicated than it is. I could have been more helpful to my friend.
No Greater Story
We have all invested countless hours learning and working in our fields of study. We all want to be prepared when we teach. And our students expect us to be prepared. Yet on that day, I had an opportunity to clarify truth immeasurably more important to me than my discipline—and I stumbled through it.
The message of God’s love and forgiveness in Christ is both weighty and simple. No one conversation can cover its depths. But I still remember the day I responded to the message myself. It had been communicated to me very simply and clearly–from a friend who was prepared enough to both listen well and clarify the truth.
How could I be better prepared the next time I have a spiritual conversation?
A mentor suggested this: memorize a simple outline or sketch that clearly lays out the different points of the Gospel, along with Scripture supporting those points.
I did that and the difference was profound. As opportunities arise to talk with colleagues and friends:
- I’m more relaxed and able to listen well.
- I can confidently and comfortably invite others to consider Christ.
- I have had a lot more opportunities to help others understand how to know God personally.
- I’ve seen others actually cross the line of faith and begin to follow Jesus.
And lastly, spiritual conversations are a lot more fun. They no longer bring the anxiety they once did.
So, let me challenge you to consider learning a simple, but clear explanation of the most important subject you’ll ever teach.
FC Editorial Team