What to Say

I originally posted this as a blog to CTI's website, ctimusic.org. It can be found here:
http://ctimusic.org/teams/fulltime-2012-2013/cti-1421/1389-what-to-say

On Sunday, we played at a traditional Lutheran church (much like the one I grew up in). We did an acoustic set, and I was sharing that day. As I was preparing what to say for the service, I occasionally would get frustrated because I would think of something great to say... but not for the demographic of the church I was sharing for. I knew I shouldn't have been getting frustrated with the idea of molding a set and testimony to fit an audience, but I couldn't figure out WHY it was a bad attitude to have. Later it all made sense.

We'd been doing acoustic sets the past few days, meaning I hadn't played my instruments in a while. It wasn't frustrating really, because I knew that the simple setups would accommodate the venue better. There are some concerts where doing a simple acoustic praise song will be far more appropriate and worshipful than that awesome electric guitar part to whatever song.

Then I began to realize that this principle applies to sharing testimonies as well; it's all about meeting people where they are. The set we did at that church was so simple, and yet I had never felt God’s presence more in a long time. Everyone was there to worship God, that's it. The communion, the liturgy, it all felt so purposeful this time. As if no one was doing it because it's what you're supposed to do on Sunday morning. But would all of that have happened if I hadn't planned the testimony and the songs to fit the setting?

Jesus met people where they were. He broke social barriers to reach sinners of the lowest kind. Paul even says in 1 Corinthians 9:20 that he became like those around him to share Christ with them. In the same way, we should all be willing to meet people where they are. Those who are hurting, lost, broken, etc. We should love them as Jesus loved us: by meeting us where we are.