We order food in a restaurant, a foreman gives direction on a job site, a child tugs at the skirt of their mother, a deaf couple sign in the park, an ad plays on the radio or on a television, and a teenager texts their friend(s). All of these things are communication. Some are verbal, some are non-verbal, and some are even non-verbally verbal. We all communicate every day. Are we effective in our communications? Are we understood? Do we know what it means to communicate or even to do so effectively? How many times have we communicated a message that was completely misunderstood? Did we not do it right or did the other party not listen? Probably a little of both, to be quite honest; most of us do not understand communication or how to accomplish a seemingly simple task. In order for us to be effective as Christian ministers, chaplains, teachers, and/or leaders we must be able to communicate, and do so in an effective manner.
Ok. Great. I got it…well, maybe not. What is communication? Is it simply exchanging ideas? That is an important part of communication, but how many times have we felt as though we were lighting a candle in the wind in or efforts to share or exchange ideas? I would like to share “a” definition of communication. I say “a” definition, because like many things, there are many definitions. Communication is the act of sharing ideas for the purpose of creating a shared understanding. How do we know that this is what communication is? The word communication comes from the Latin “communis” which means to share. When we communicate, we are sharing ideas and to do so effectively, we ard sharing ideas with the intent of creating a shared understanding. After all, if we do not wish to be understood, why are we communicating?
As Christians, the way in which we communicate with people is very important. Words can injure or heal, condemn or uplift; they can be true and righteous or they can be false and deceptive. Our words are indicators of the condition of what is in our heart as well as indicators of our own spiritual maturity. Luke 6:45 - A good man brings good things out of the good stored up in his heart, and an evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in his heart. For the mouth speaks what the heart is full of. James 1:26 - Those who consider themselves religious and yet do not keep a tight rein on their tongues deceive themselves, and their religion is worthless. Therefore, we should speak, always, as Peter instructed Paul “If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God. If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen.”
Speaking is an important part of communicating; however, the part that is probably the most important, is listening. As we are instructed in James 1:19 “Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry. God, through His Son, teaches us to be quick to listen and slow to speak. This is an important part of listening, and listening actively. We should listen to those we are ministering, witnessing, counseling. In the time we are listening, healing can occur, bridges can be built and God can build His bridges. When we are slow to speak, we also allow the Holy Spirit to fill us so we can be filled with the Spirit and then be able to speak as Peter instructed Paul “do so as though we speak the very words of God.”
We have been given instruction in what to say and what not to say and even how it should be said. The Bible is the great manual for life. I once heard a pastor say “The Bible is not a word, it is THE Word, however it is an acronym as well. People say we have not been given instructions for life, but they have missed the manual: B.I.B.L.E. – Basic Instructions Before Leaving Earth.”
God teaches us to be truthful, to speak sweetly, to be happy and joyful, to encourage one another and to be sympathetic and compassionate in how we communicate with one another. To know what to say we should do as instructed in 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 “Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus. Pray continually, let the Holy Spirit of God fill you, and listen actively.