Adjustments

Last weekend my husband and I road tripped to a friend’s surprise 60th birthday celebration. Because we were heading to an unfamiliar location in the middle of very rural Missouri, we used our map software for directions.

I don’t know how it goes with you, but our map software often takes us on interesting routes apparently believing that stress is an added benefit to any route. This particular set of directions was not the most stressful addition we’ve been given but it was rather curious. The route took us on a lot of two lane roads which, when built, had conformed to the local topography rather than leveling the way and addressing things like really low, potentially fatal low spots which flood. This choice resulted in roller-coasting hills for very long stretches.

These roller-coasting hills don’t bother either of us so we don’t adjust our driving or where anyone sits in the car. However we have several children for whom this would have been a nightmare of nausea especially if they were riding anywhere except the front seat. I’m a bit puzzled because these same children love roller-coasters proper – just not roller-coaster roads. Yet when we travel with them, we adjust how we drive, where they sit, whatever is needed to get them where we are going.

Those kind of adjustments made me think about how Paul adjusted the “trip” for his listeners. He never compromised the truth of the Gospel but he did tailor the delivery – the ride if you will – so that his listeners would make the trip.

It is easy to just bulldoze ahead with a message in ways which negate the actual hearing of the message. When we take time to know our listeners, to understand and care how they will travel, we have a much better chance of them being able to hear the Good News.

Father, guide my “driving”.