Thanksgiving makes me think of the phrase “talk turkey” which means we skip the pleasantries and get straight to the facts.*
Sometimes God talks turkey: Hebrews 4:12 tells us that God’s Word is able to cut through all the surface "bologna" in our lives and judge our hearts.
But in other places, God gently unfolds His purposes. The Old Testament examples are understood more fully through New Testament teaching (1 Corinthians 10:1-13). And Paul says many aspects of the gospel were “secrets” to past generations (Colossians 1:25-26).
God uses different methods to communicate, and so can we.
Sometimes we need to be straightforward when sharing Christ with others, honestly warning them of their sins.
Sometimes we need to be gentler, gradually sharing our faith as we get to know a person, starting with examples of God’s faithfulness in our lives without sharing the whole plan of salvation at once.
The important thing is that we are sharing Christ with others. Today let’s pray for opportunities, whether we talk turkey or start with appetizers.
-----------------
* Some people believe this idiom started because of the turkey's distinct, piercing gobbling sound. Others believe it started when Pilgrims began trading with Native Americans to acquire turkeys.
Good words to ponder on Gail. We need to share Christ with others. Have a blessed thanksgiving!
ReplyDeleteLove your use of the words turkey and bologna, Gail. I haven't thought of it that way, but we probably all have an excess of bologna. Have a wonderful Thanksgiving!
ReplyDeleteYou bring out a point so well. Happy Thanksgiving!!
ReplyDeleteLove these different approaches to sharing Christ. But, I also agree...the most important thing is that we share in the first place! Oh that the world might "hear" that the Lord is good & His love endures, forever!
ReplyDeleteThanks for stopping by UNITE on Tuesday, to link up! Hope to see you next week at RichFaithRising, my friend.
Jen