Initially I thought it was just a phrase I frequently hear a prosecuting attorney say in an old television series, featuring a character who I have never, ever, not one time, lose a case. When the latter would ask a question intended to bring out pertinent information, the prosecuting attorney would quickly utter a rhythmic objection, “That is immaterial, irrelevant, and incompetent.” I thought that was just a dramatic line written in the screenplay. However, I found out that it is an objection used in real life when a lawyer believes his opposing attorney is going into matters that are outside of the legal issue being tried. Like I said, in the old TV series, the defense attorney never loses his case. He is well prepared to counter the prosecutor’s objections so that the truth may be heard. He is some lawyer, in the fictitious world. Well, you are a lawyer too, in the real-life world! Tu eres un abogado!
When you bring up Jesus in an everyday conversation, and you find someone objecting, labeling what you have to say as irrelevant, be prepared to respond, for what you have to say is really relevant: “God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son wo that whosoever believes in Him shall not perish, but shall have everlasting life (John 3:16).” When someone is sharing what they are about to do that is not in line with the word of God, and they object to you bringing Jesus into the conversation, be prepared to show they are sadly mistaken and what you have to say is not immaterial, not “neither here of there.” Use words such as follows: “I disagree with your objection. You see, Jesus said, ‘Therefore, everyone who hears these words of Mine, and acts on them, will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock. And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and slammed against that house; and yet it did not fall, for it had been founded on the rock. And everyone who hears these words of Mine, and does not act on them, will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand. And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and slammed against that house; and it fell—and its collapse was great. (Matthew 7:24-27)’”
Finally, when someone feels your words reveal that you are incompetent, respond to the objection by citing Jesus’ words that validate your competency, “At that time Jesus said, ‘I praise You, Father, Lord of heaven and earth [I openly and joyfully acknowledge Your great wisdom], that You have hidden these things [these spiritual truths] from the wise and intelligent and revealed them to infants [to new believers, to those seeking God’s will and purpose] (Matthew 11:25-30).’”
Now, I am not trying to train you to behave like an actual abogado (Spanish), a lawyer (English), and neither am I trying to lead you to treat every life situation like you are in a court room. I’m not trying to breed legalistic Christians. No, ma’am! No, sir! However, what I am trying to cause you to do is to make sure you don’t leave Jesus out of everyday conversations.
I guess as a second meaningful purpose, I am trying to convey the need for you and me to be as prepared as the defense attorney in the old TV show. How do you get prepared? Read the verse below!
Oh! When you confront an objecting person, the Great Judge on high will allow your words to be spoken! Case closed, er I mean, that is the end of this meditation! Smile! Have a great day! Be blessed!
“Be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a worker who does not need to be ashamed, accurately handling the word of truth.” (2 Timothy 2:15 NASB)
Committed to the climb,
Mark L. King