If You Want Someone To Know...TELL THEM!

How are they to call on one they have not believed in? And how are they to believe in one they have not heard of? And how are they to hear without someone preaching to them? And how are they to preach unless they are sent? As it is written, “How timely is the arrival of those who proclaim the good news.” But not all have obeyed the good news, for Isaiah says, “Lord, who has believed our report?” Consequently faith comes from what is heard, and what is heard comes through the preached word of Christ.

~Romans 10:14-17

 

Let me ask you something, can you read minds?  Yes, I know Moms and School Teachers seem to have that special ability.  But can we REALLY know the thoughts of others?  When I was younger, I dreamed how fun it would be to be able to read the thoughts of other people.  Then I contemplated the reactions I would get if people could truly read my mind, and my outlook on that super power changed drastically.

 

As a Chaplain, part of my job is to visit with folks who are in hospital.  But if no one tells me about those in hospital, I don't know to visit with them. I cannot tell you how many times I have been told, "How could you NOT know!"  To which my response has always been, unless someone tells me, I don't know.  

 

Here's today's nugget of wisdom, "If you want someone to know...TELL THEM!"

 

Look at today's passage.  Paul is laying out the logical argument of Christianity: How can people pray to a God they don't believe in?  How can they believe in this God if no one tells them?  How can someone tell them about God if they aren't sent to share this incredible news? 

 

I'm not a fan of yelling at people telling them to "Believe in Jesus or DIE!" Some people respond positively to such a methodology, but I'm not among them.  You see, Preaching doesn't always mean pounding a pulpit and yelling.  I have found that the most effective preaching I do is talking with people...just talking.  Now, I admit that I am usually packing Tootsie Rolls, which is also a great way to start a conversation, but just talking with people has a huge impact.

 

The point of all this is simple: People don't know unless they are told.  So.....TELL them!