Most of you know that Bev and I celebrated our 20th wedding anniversary by going on a cruise through the Inland Passage of Alaska. As we were getting ready to board, Bev was reviewing Nautical Speak.
“The pointy end up front is the bow, the flat end is the stern, right, starboard and left is port…” After we had gotten underway, the ship started to make a turn and she observed that it was a port turn.
“No, the ship is turning left.” I told her. She looked at me and reminded me that port is left. I assured her that the left side of the ship (facing the bow) is port, but the ship is making a left turn. I explained that port, starboard, bow and stern were locations on the ship, forward, aft, right and left were directions. She felt she would never get it right.
Have you ever listened to yourself when you talk about Jesus? We have a lot of terms that others don’t use and are either vague or completely meaningless to them. I would remind you that when Jesus spoke to people He used language and examples they would understand. The message He was trying to get across is much too important to the listeners for it to get lost. We are tasked with the same goal. The message is still too important to those who listen to us for us to use language that is confusing.
He tailored His message so that the listeners could understand, and when even His disciples failed to “get it”, Jesus spent time explaining it. In fact, that is why they were His disciples, because they wanted to know more.
As you talk to your friends, relatives, etc, about Jesus – watch your language!
Bill
