3:144 – Try A Different Approach

#faithbites #faithjourney approach

Tonight my youngest just didn’t want to listen to me. No matter what I said or did, it wasn’t clicking. Then my best friend got the same message across with a completely different approach. You would think as someone who is studying Differentiated Instruction, I would get this. But I fail at it all the time.

How often have you felt like beating your head against a wall because someone doesn’t understand you. In other words, they just “don’t get it”? Maybe it isn’t the message but the messenger. It could be the message needs to be given through a different approach.

In faith, the same thing is true. Not everyone come faith in the same way, nor does the same approach for teaching and sharing our faith work. We have to find a new way.

Scripture

• Psalm 32:8 – I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my loving eye on you.
• Psalm 25:5 – Guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long.
• Philippians 4:9 – Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.

Reflection

We all learn differently. Some learn visually while others by doing. Some learn by hearing and others by watching. There are many different ways to teach and learn. Our scriptures show us how important it is to learn and put what God has to say into practice. He provides truth and is our hope.

As Christians, we need to know that God is always working. As such, our way of presenting a message may not be the best. I know I am for love, compassion, and understanding while others need more tough love. I’m not good at tough love. It doesn’t mean that we should change the message or chose the messenger. If we see a message style isn’t working, we will lose if we keep trying to deliver the message in the same style. We have a choice to change our style or find someone who is better equipped to deliver that message.

God never changes, nor does the message. How we deliver that message can change depending on who is hearing it. Even the Gospels are written in different style and tone as they go to different audiences. Know that there isn’t a right or a wrong approach, just right or wrong to a particular person.

I know my kids hear things differently when I or my wife say something versus a friend. We need to that different styles are ok. It takes a village to reach everyone.

Challenge

Do you get frustrated when someone “doesn’t get it”? Maybe it’s not the message, but style. Try a new style or get help. You never know how God is working through you to reach new people.

Prayer

Father God, help us to be flexible. We want to reach all people and help them find you. Give us the strength to know when our style is not the right one for a particular person. Send those who can deliver that message to us. Let us work in harmony to help all hear your message and put it into practice. We love you and give you all the glory. In your name, Amen.