Words are amazing vehicles for communication. We are all involved in that personally, sometimes in a group discussion, or even a teaching or preaching opportunity. The reminder is a caution about assuming whether that communication has taken place. The personal illusion may be that communication has happened.
There is this adage: “I know you think you understand what you thought I said, but I don’t think you understand that what I said is not what I actually meant.” Little words impact us in powerful ways and often from unexpected sources. I remember a third-grade boy telling me that the very next week his grandparents were going to be in church to hear me preach. So, he said, “Please be sure you make your sermon points clear.” That kid understood the power of words. He also knew that while my vocation involved words, those words needed to be understandable. It was a good reminder. Another occasion happened during my first student ministry. I was preaching on a Sunday morning and was impressed with some of the words I used and was sure it would impress the congregation. It was one unlikely person who gave me invaluable advice. He was not that kind of advisor that was usual because he usually came late to church and left early. Rarely did I ever get to speak to him personally. But on this Sunday, he stayed and waited until everyone had left. (He knew I had grown up on a ranch and was accustomed to having cattle to feed.) He came to me, shook my hand, looked me squarely in the eyes and said: “Preacher, you’ve got to get the fodder down where the cattle can get to it.” That is all he said and with a kind smile he just turned and left the building. I needed to hear that wise counsel. I just did not expect it would come from him. I have not forgotten it.
In our communication skills, God blesses us with serendipitous moments that leave a lasting impression. And, it usually does not have anything to do with the academic degrees of our advisor.
The three words that stick in my mind today, are words that came from my flight instructor who was preparing me for my private pilot’s instrument rating. Following a training flight, he asked me to join him in his office. It was then he asked this: “Can you tell me the three words that describe your adequate preparation for flying anywhere?” I stood still thinking of how I could use only three words to describe my readiness: 1) I thought about the aircraft, its number, fuel burn, necessary speed for rotation off the runway. 2) I thought about what the weather was now and what it would be at my destination airport. 3) I thought about what was necessary in pre-flighting the aircraft and the checklist that would be needed. 4) I thought about the necessity of filing a flight plan properly. 5) I knew that radio frequencies needed to be written down for use during the flight. There were all kinds of facts rolling around in my brain. But I could not think of how to describe that in three words. I confessed I did not know what those words were and he said: “All available information.”
How simple that was! I began making a personal application to family conversations that had not had that qualifier and conclusions that were wrong because of not having it. I thought of lessons, speeches, and sermons that I had delivered without that consideration. I considered bad decisions I had made because I did not have all the information I needed. I also knew the caution I needed to give myself about “all available information.” It was simple too. Just because I knew the information did not mean it had to all be included in my presentation. But if I did not get that info, I just might not deliver a clear understandable word.
So, what are some of the ingredients I need for my preaching? I include these: 1) I need to know who is in my audience; 2) I want to know the current culture; 3) I want to consider the timing I have; 4) I want to know the Biblical text and its language implications; 5) I want to make sure Jesus is the focus; 6) I want to be sure to pray about the practical application of Scripture for living; 7) I want to invite and challenge people to make a decision. What do I need to do that? I need the same three words used to file a flight plan. WHY? I want to arrive safely on my final approach. I want that for you too. I want you to get to your destination along with me. Then we can anticipate the Father, saying: “Welcome Home!”
Norheim Steamroller 