Do you have a story to tell?

posted 02.18.09 by Christian

The other day I was listening to a pastor I know give yet another great illustration he had researched to hammer home the final point of his message.

What a powerful story it was. Full of history, excitement, drama, and a climactic ending that would rival that of Rocky. As I listened to the story I thought about all the times I had heard this pastor speak, as well as other great men of God that I look up to because of their faithfulness in preaching God’s truth.

I couldn’t help but think about the power of a story, not someone else’s, but the one we live out. I started thinking hard, trying to remember a time this pastor had opened his heart and shared a personal story from his own life. I came to the conclusion that he is faithful in doing his office hours, preparing all week with research, studying commentary, diving into local and national media stories, and hitting a search engine or two on the internet to illustrate a point, but missing out on the beautiful opportunities the Spirit of God opens up when we experience the Christian life instead of just talking about it.

First, let me say I have much respect for all men and women of God that preach the gospel but need to speak my heart and ask this question. How can we teach, challenge, and motivate others to live the Christian life we have not experienced ourselves.

Paul was able to say clearly in 2 Corinthians 11:22-28 that he had every right to boast because his resume was full of serving, suffering, and sacrifice for the gospel. No one could question the scars he had received while out sharing the message of Christ. There were many others in the bible that were able to testify about what they had seen and heard because they were there, tasting the miracle of 5,000 fed by 5 loaves and two fish instead of hearing about it from someone who had experienced it. I wonder how many Samaritans would have been saved in John 4:7-39 if the woman by the well would have went back to the office to research whether or not the living water she had received from Jesus was trustworthy? Instead she went boldly with the message of forgiveness alive in her heart and shared her story with many other Samaritans who would end up believing and being saved.

This blog was written as a challenge for all of us to live the Christian life, live it out passionately so we will have a story to tell at the end of each day. I will end this challenge with the words of a young lady I met the other day at a coffee shop in Kings Mountain NC who said she was tired of the church being a place to go instead of being who we are. I agree, when the church becomes a living breathing organism instead of a place we go, we will have a story to tell.

Well said Liz, I look forward to more life conversations with you. Peace.