Page 17 - MyFaithMag MAR 2018

TEEN TURF 17

ow are we really supposed to know doesn’t only apply to sermons – that’s just an
what anyone else is saying nowadays? example. What about the media (what music,
HSure we think we know what people are movies, TV etc say to us), politicians, friends/
saying but do we really? So what are we to family etc?
do? How do we communicate effectively? And
how do we become discerning when we are Another big thing I’ve learned about
“communicated to”. Well here are one or two communication is making sure I’m being
points that I’ve learned in my life. understood when I say something. I can’t even
tell you how many times I’ve been misquoted
Zzzzzzzzz I can already see some people and misunderstood. Not always my fault but
nodding off saying, “yeah, yeah communication there are many times where my less than
schlommunication blah blah”. But wait, listen? phenomenal communication skills have led to
Are we ready to be communicated to by the me being misunderstood (hopefully that’s not
media, politicians (elections are coming up), happening now). And I’ve had to learn how
even pastors/ministers etc. I mean some to make myself clearer so people know what
people are gifted speakers but do we make I mean when I say something.– so I need to
the effort to think about what they’re really be clear when I say something and careful
saying. I’ve heard some really gifted speakers how I say it. TV shows – especially sitcoms
which make you feel “wow” after a sermon but use this idea to great effect. Often they will
upon reflection they haven’t said much more use situations of miscommunication to make
than, “The cat sat on the mat.” a scene funny and one of the main reasons
its funny is because we know that that kind of
thing happens. Picture this: two people are in a
One of the points that I’ve learned in life is room, a third person is outside listening to the
critical thinking. Huh? “What does that mean?” situation and misunderstands what is going
you ask. “Am I supposed to criticise my on. Which either produces funny or disastrous
thoughts?” “Hmm that ice cream looks nice... consequences. We’ve all seen it.
no! Stupid thought! You’re worthless, get out
of my head!” I read about a survey recently where people
did a test with emails. In the survey 90% of
No, that’s not what I mean. Critical thinking is the people thought they were clear about what
kind of like putting a spam filter in your brain. was said and meant. However, when tested
It sorts out the good from the bad, the wrong only about 50 % had actually understood the
from the right. It engages your brain into gear messages. Makes you think, doesn’t it?
as opposed to parking it in neutral. I mean the
basic rule is – don’t believe everything you hear/ So let’s be more proactive in our communication
read. There’s a good start, put that one in your – remembering that communication is a two-
brain and your spam filter’s working already. way thing. Let us have our spam filters turned
You see this even goes for when you’re hearing on at all times. We need to be wise…even us
a sermon. You don’t disengage your brain just young okes. Another thing is making our and
because it’s a Christian thing or just because everybody else’s lives (especially our parents)
the Dominee is saying it. On the contrary think easier by being careful about what we say and
about it. That doesn’t mean be sceptical about particularly how we say it. Miscommunication
everything...no... just think about it. The big test can cause unnecessary problems in our lives
is does it measure up with the Bible? Is it in line with our friends, family, girl/boyfriends etc.
with what God is saying in the Bible? Because On the other hand good communication can
remember I can quote Bible verses that seem ensure we do not mislead or are not misled
to back up what I’m saying about just about by others. One of my favourite verses on
anything. But is the scripture I’m quoting in communication especially as a Christian is 1
the right context? In other words is what the Peter 3:8-18. Well…go on, look it up…I’m not
person is saying/preaching about lining up with going to just give it to you…don’t be lazy.
what God is saying in those verses? But this