Keys to the Kingdom By Carolyn Tucker
Vacation of Miscommunication
My family went on vacation together and we headed to our favorite beach in Alabama. We were in Mississippi by supper time, so we pulled into a drive-through and my son-in-law Levi placed the order for seven people. I was impressed with his ability to communicate all the orders correctly. After placing the order, the voice on the other end of the speaker asked, “What size do you want?” Levi asked, “What size comes with the combo?” After she asked additional questions that didn’t make sense, Levi finally understood that the original question had been, “What sauce do you want?” My daughter and I completely cracked up over this miscommunication caused by colloquial enunciation.
Since we traveled 12+ hours one way, we had plenty of time to talk about all sorts of things. Usually, it was whatever popped into any of our heads. On the way home, someone mistakenly interchanged the words “duvet” and “bidet” in a sentence. It’s a good thing I wasn’t driving — I would’ve had to pull over from laughing hysterically.
I’m thankful God speaks clearly in the Bible. Yes, there may be some scriptures or chapters we don’t fully understand, but there are plenty we do understand. If we stay busy focusing on what we understand, that will keep us out of trouble and moving forward in our spiritual journey.
Romans Chapter 12 in the TLB uses plain everyday language regarding how to treat people: “Don’t just pretend that you love others: really love them. Hate what is wrong. Stand on the side of the good. Love each other with brotherly affection and take delight in honoring each other. Never be lazy in your work but serve the Lord enthusiastically. Be glad for all God is planning for you. Be patient in trouble, and prayerful always. When God’s children are in need, you be the one to help them out. And get into the habit of inviting guests home for dinner or, if they need lodging, for the night. If someone mistreats you because you are a Christian, don’t curse him; pray that God will bless him.”
“When others are happy, be happy with them. If they are sad, share their sorrow. Work happily together. Don’t try to act big. Don’t try to get into the good graces of important people, but enjoy the company of ordinary folks. And don’t think you know it all! Never pay back evil for evil. Do things in such a way that everyone can see you are honest clear through. Don’t quarrel with anyone. Be at peace with everyone, just as much as possible.”
“Dear friends, never avenge yourselves. Leave that to God, for He has said that He will repay those who deserve it. [Don’t take the law into your own hands.] Instead, feed your enemy if he is hungry. If he is thirsty give him something to drink and you will be ‘heaping coals of fire on his head.’ In other words, he will feel ashamed of himself for what he has done to you. Don’t let evil get the upper hand but conquer evil by doing good.” We don’t have to be a rocket scientist to understand this chapter; we just may not want to do it. God knows how to get His point across if He can only find willing hearers and doers. God often speaks to His children through the voice of our conscience. Is your conscience communicating properly to your mind?
The Key: Don’t act like you don’t understand what God is saying. He never stutters.