Two Words
What do you say when...
So a guy joins a monastery and takes a vow of silence. He’s allowed to say two words every seven years. After the first seven years, the elders bring him in and ask for his two words. “Cold floors,” he says. They nod and send him away.
Seven more years pass. They bring him back in and ask for his two words. He clears his throat and says, “Bad food.” They nod and send him away.
Seven more years pass. They bring him in for his two words. “I quit,” he says.
“That's not surprising,” the elders say. You’ve done nothing but complain since you got here.”
When you have only a small window of opportunity for communicating, be careful what you say, especially to people who are skeptical about Jesus and his followers. “Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be always full of grace” (Colossians 4:4,5). Seasoning your conversation with the words and tones of what Jesus would say prepares you for saying just the right thing when your words must be few and succinct.
That means first listening to how Jesus talks to you by opening the Bible and hearing what he says to you … when you are the leper who needs his healing power … when you are the Pharisee blinded by self-righteous pride … when you are the prostitute regretfully facing the torment of your guilt … when you are sinking in a storm and can’t bail water out of the boat faster than it floods in … when you can’t believe in the power of resurrection and new life.
Learn the language of Jesus first in your own head and heart. Then be ready to speak it habitually. That way, when you only have the chance for two words you’ll know exactly what to say. Or, what not to say.
PRAYER: Dear Jesus, I have to listen to so many sounds clamoring for my attention today. It gets so confusing that I just want to shut them all out sometimes, including you. Help me discern which are most important for me, realizing that may not be the loudest call or the most urgent cry. Forgive my lack of listening by not being silent when I turn to you. Speak lovingly to me with you grace and mercy, and as you do so, teach me to speak that way to others. When I have only a moment to talk, be with me then so that I may choose my words wisely. Amen.