Locals Only

“Yet in the church I had rather speak five words with my understanding, that by my voice I might teach others also, than ten thousand words in an unknown tongue.” – 1 Corinthians 14:19

Before the time of smartphones and GPS, the primary instrument for navigation was a map.  However, at times, one found themselves lost, and the map failed them.  Then they had to resort to asking for directions.  Typically, from a local at a gas station or convenience store.  Often you would get good directions complete with road names and distances, however, occasionally, you would hear something filled with local jargon like: “well, you need to turn right out of here, then hang a left at the light.  That will take you right by the sand dunes, and you must keep a look out for Jimmy’s place, because once you pass Jimmy’s you will need to slow down and take a right at the ole oak tree.  A couple miles down from there you’ll find it.”  You would then smile and say, “thank you” while walking out thinking “I’ll just go ask someone else.”

For too long this local has been talking to locals like him.  Then, when a stranger walks into the shop asking for directions he gives them, and that stranger walks out just as lost and confused as when they came in.  There was no understanding gained, because the tongue was unknown even though it was the same language.  The stranger did not know the references and landmarks that the local did so the value of what he was saying was lost on the stranger, and therefore he remained lost.  The kind local with a heart to help did little more than speak over this poor stranger’s head. The church going Christian must be very careful not to find ourselves falling into the same trap. We must guard against a “locals only” mentality.  If the members are not careful a “language” or “tongue” can develop within the church that is foreign to outsiders.  A small, tight-knit community can become so comfortable talking to one another that it will be difficult for new people who come in the door to understand, because they don’t understand the vernacular and references.  Phrases like “Altar call”, “touch from God”, “second blessing”, as well as multiple scripture references and obscure ill explained Old to New Testament connections may be perfectly understood by the “core group” but totally missed by the first-time visitor.  How many times have we said: “this is familiar scripture.”  It may be to us, but not to everyone.  Likewise, after the meeting is over, you might be telling a wonderful story about a fellow member, but if the newcomer doesn't know them, they are just going to feel left out.  Furthermore, a “locals only” language can stem from a “locals only” spirit.  A spirit which outright shuns or brings prejudices against anyone who doesn’t look, think, or behave like we do.  Jesus said, “I came not to call the righteous but sinners to repentance.” Christ came to build a church, not a country club.  It is said that a wealthy, high class woman heard that John Wesley was coming to town to preach, so she cleared her schedule to come and listen to this great preacher she had heard so much about.  After she listened intently to every word, she was overheard saying “I don’t see what was so great about this Mr. Wesley, why even the smallest child could have understood that sermon.”  God help us to preach, preach plain, and speak words that can be understood.

It is a tragic reality that there will always be individuals who do not have ears to hear.  Even Jesus encountered those who were unwilling to listen.  However, there remain many who are lost and looking for direction.  They don’t need our words, our wisdom, our personalities, or our rhetoric.  They need to hear about Jesus Christ.  All we have to offer is Christ.  May God help us to pray, wait, and settle in on the teachings of scripture so soundly that we might speak the plain gospel to the lost.  Speak to give clear instruction on how to get out of sin, live free from sin, and gain entrance into heaven.  To speak the truth in love, preach the Word with boldness, and live the example before all men.  The Holy Ghost must guide and help us in this endeavor.  May God grant us the willingness to obey.