Don't Get Preachy!
Ponder: What does it mean to preach?
Scripture: “For since, in the wisdom of God, the world through wisdom did not know God, it pleased God through the foolishness of the message preached to save those who believe” (1 Corinthians 1:21 NKJV).
To preach, or not to preach -- that is the question (with apologies to Shakespeare). We want our children to stay out of trouble with drugs, illicit sex, abusive behavior and language, etc. But how do we (parents, educators, and other concerned Christians) get the point across to them? Media “experts” offer all sorts of advice -- some of it excellent, much of it not so good. Invariably, at one point or another, these experts tell us that to “preach” to people about these issues not only will not work, but is counterproductive.
I'm sorry to hear the noble task of preaching berated like this. Just what do they mean by saying, “Don't get preachy”? Perhaps they mean . . .
Don't be arrogant.
Don't be self-righteous.
Talk TO people, not AT them.
Don't talk endlessly.
If these are what is meant by “not preaching,” then I agree completely that we should not do these things (although I must say they are a poor description of preaching). However, I get the distinct impression the “experts” mean far more than this. For example . . .
Don't talk about morality.
Don't talk about absolute values.
Don't say something is “right” or “wrong.”
Leave God and the Bible out of the discussion.
You seem most of the “experts” are Humanists. They don't believe in absolute moral/ethical values, where something is right because it is compatible with God’s nature and His word, or wrong because it doesn’t. Instead, they believe in situation ethics, where each person decides for himself what is right or wrong in a given situation.
Christian, God said preach! “Preach the gospel to every creature” (Mark 16:15). The experts say people will be turned off. Yes, God's word is “foolishness to those who are perishing” (1 Corinthians 1:18). But “it pleased God through the foolishness of the message preached to save those who believe” (1 Corinthians 1:21). The Bible is right! We can listen to the “experts,” or we can trust and obey.
Song: “Ring Out the Message”
Prayer: Father, we thank you for the good news of Christ, and for the privilege of proclaiming it. May we be faithful in this glorious task, and may we never be ashamed of Jesus or His word. In His name, Amen.
Joe Slater (Justin, TX)