Wednesday Work Out: Make it Clear

“… continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling.” Philippians 2:12 (NIV)

If you really want to get something done, make sure you give clear instructions. Sounds easy enough, but we all know what appears clear to one person looks fuzzy to another.

Like when I asked my son to bring me the shoes on the floor. I saw both shoes. He saw one shoe. To point in the direction of the shoe that alluded him didn’t help. To say, it’s by the pillow led to more confusion, since there were two pillows nearby. But when I said, “the shoe by the dream light,” ding, ding, ding!

One dream light. He knew what it looked like and where it sat. In no time at all I held two shoes. The key to clear direction is to think like the one you instruct.

Get in his head. Dig into her heart. What do they see?

Jesus afforded us this service.

He used things like planting, sowing, and reaping to talk about His Kingdom. He used vines, branches, and fruits to reveal The Truth and point to The Way.

I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.” John 15:5 (NIV)

When Jesus taught us how to live, He used words we’d understand.

So whether it’s a friend, a husband, a child, a relative, or a co-worker, see the scenario through their eyes. Speak their language. Then see where it gets you!