What I meant to say was …

September 25, 2006

By William E. Richardson

After her appointment at the dentist, a woman told the receptionist she wanted to pay her bill. She opened her purse and started looking through it.

Expecting the woman to write a check, the receptionist asked, “Do you need a pen?”

“Yes, thank you,” the woman answered. She dropped the pen into her purse and pulled out some cash. She appreciated receiving what she thought was a free pen.

We all say and do things that could have more than one meaning. That presents a daily challenge to every follower of Jesus Christ. We need to be sure we clearly communicate Christianity through both our words and actions.

How can Christians send the wrong message? There are a couple of main ways we create misunderstandings — through deliberate acts of selfishness and through things we say and do with good intentions.

How often do we tell someone we’ll pray for them? The danger is that it can become no more than a phrase of habit. It’s great to promise our prayers to someone, but they may need more than our prayers. Is it possible we convey to others that prayer is all we know how to do? Or that it’s all we’re willing to do? If so, we’re giving them a reason to misunderstand the Christian message.

James, the Lord’s brother, said to do more than just tell someone we care. When we send people away, wishing them God’s blessings yet leaving them empty-handed, we fail to meet their needs. James instructed us to replace our sincerest feelings of empathy with actions (James 2:15,16).

Jesus commanded us to love others the way He loves. Jesus never tricked anyone nor did He simply dispense blessings; He imparted food to the hungry and healing to the sick. No one Jesus loved ever misunderstood His message.

William E. Richardson is senior pastor of Afton (Iowa) Assembly of God.