“They arrived at Capernaum; and when He was in the house, He asked them, “What were you discussing and arguing about on the road?” But they kept quiet, because on the road they had discussed and debated with one another which one [of them] was the greatest.” (Mark 9:33-34 The Amplified Bible)
To get started, before I get to the suggested stipulation, deducted from the text above, for impact let me ask you to participate in a speech lesson. Here’s what I want you to do. Every time you read the italicized words below, use one of the following verbal communication techniques as if you are the one speaking. Communication techniques that you can choose to use in this speech lesson, varying them each time you get to the repeated words that have been italicized, include: rate of speed or pace, change of volume, change of tone and inflection, or an emphasis on clarity. Got it? Okay, here are the statements.
You are about to speak in a way not characteristic of the way a believer talks, in an unkind way. Remember the words of Jesus, “Treat people like you want to be treated.” Let Jesus get into your business.
You were just going to attend church to avoid missing church to keep the saints from talking about your absenteeism and being the topic of church gossip. That’s the wrong motive. Remember the words of Jesus, “True worshippers shall worship Me in spirit and in truth.” Let Jesus get into your business.
You see a good-looking person of the opposite sex. You start with admiration, but your thoughts are on the verge of moving from adoration to a lusting consideration. Remember the words of Jesus (Message Bible). “You know the next commandment pretty well, too: ‘Don’t go to bed with another’s spouse.’ But don’t think you’ve preserved your virtue simply by staying out of bed. Your heart can be corrupted by lust even quicker than your body. Those ogling looks you think nobody notices—they also corrupt.” Let Jesus get into your business.
You are about to criticize someone regarding their so-called faults. You are about to avoid using a communication technique where the person with the “fault” recognizes they need to change for the betters, and you start judging them harshly. Remember the words of Jesus. “Why do you look at the speck that is in your brother’s eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye? Or how can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ and look, the log is in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother’s eye!” Let Jesus get into your business.
Just like Jesus got into the disciples’ business as they were discussing who was going to be the greatest, Jesus will get into your business. Let Him! His way is the best way! Be blessed!
“Everyone then who hears these words of Mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock.” (Matthew 7:24 English Standard Version)
Committed to the climb,
Mark L. King
I am responding to the A SPEECH LESSON AND A SUGGESTED STIPULATION meditation. The controlled speech patterns used in the speech lesson created somewhat of a unique response to the italicized words. When I tried to change my tone, I seemed to become more emphatic. When I changed the pace, I seemed to be rushing through my response. It’s evident that these techniques add meaning to the message. I know Jesus gets in the business of believers. That’s the way we should want it. Without Jesus in the plan, we will always end up in the wrong position and situation.
It worked Gloria! Thank you for a great response, as usual!