Here’s another insightful question from my recent interaction with high school kids: “Is it hard for you to speak in places where you can’t talk about your faith?”
Apparently this young lady previously listened to my ramblings in a different setting in which I spoke openly about Jesus as the source of authentic hope. In our brief conversation, she implied that a more general setting muted the power of my message.
In some ways I suppose she’s right, but I believe I can still speak about hope and possibility to general audiences. While I may need to employ different words and use different illustrations, I’m still talking about many of the same ideas. As a communicator, I welcome the challenge of phrasing my thoughts in ways the make listeners want to know more. I always hope that my words will prompt listeners to some sort of action or further investigation.
I never wish to force a discussion of faith, primarily since such tactics only alienate listeners. I always try to mention that my faith is the central factor in whatever I’ve accomplished, and I pray that my story will inspire listeners to hear the spirit behind the words. I want others to know clearly that I attempt to follow Jesus; my challenge is to represent Him in a way that opens hearts to His presence.
A friend once commented that he’d heard that Relentless Grace was a book about religion. I sincerely hope that’s a false perception, because the world doesn’t need another book about religion.
Relentless Grace is a story of new beginnings, of weakness transformed to strength. It’s about God’s refusal to allow me to throw away the life He gave me. I tried to run away–He pursued me relentlessly and brought me back through grace. It’s not about me, it’s about Jesus. And that’s a story everyone needs to know.
Jesus said, “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick.” (Matthew 9)
How do you represent your faith authentically without turning people away from the message?
Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone. (Colossians 4: 5-6)
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