I have now realized that my timing is not always the best. Usually if I’m thinking it, I say it. Please don’t get me wrong. I don’t mean to portray that I am offensive. Sometimes I wish I just thought a little longer before I began talking.
The other night I came home late from a football game. Instead of waiting for my parents to regain consciousness from their deep sleep, I just started telling them about my night. They told me to “stop yelling,” and I told them to “talk louder.” Since they had been asleep, and I had been at a football game, we were on very different volume levels. So within a very short time, the conversation was no longer pleasant and the sweet family moment ruined. It was all because of my bad timing. If I had waited to tell them after they had woken up or even the next morning, everything would have been much more pleasant for everyone!
I did not take into account where my parents had been. They had been in a silent room asleep, and I still hadn’t calmed down from the exciting game. If I had tried to meet them where they were, then I would have been able to communicate with them much better. Instead, I tried to speak to them from where I was, which was way too strong for them. I should have spoken in a gentle, light voice, because they would have received my words better!
Timing is everything. The world often reacts to the gospel in the same way my parents reacted to my words that night. The world often shuts us down when we try to share the gospel, but it is usually because of how WE present it! If we can meet people where they are, and speak to them in a loving, personal way, our words will be received much better! I pray that from now on we can discern where people are and minister to them in the times they are most receptive.
Jody Johnston is a student at Liberty University in Lynchburg, VA. With a fire in his heart that only God could’ve ignited, he is a servant and prayer warrior. He calls New Orleans, LA his home. You can contact him on facebook www.facebook.com/jodygjohnston.