Shooting the Breeze
The abbot of a monastery called a novice into his office and instructed him to give the sermon at the next morning’s chapel. The novice was struck with fear.
The next morning, chapel came. He stood in the pulpit. The brothers were there. His hands were trembling. His knees were knocking. His voice was quivering.
There was a long pause before he first spoke, and then he asked a question, “Do you know what I am going to say?”
They had no idea, so all of their heads went back and forth almost in unison, as if it were choreographed. He said, “Neither do I. Let’s stand for the benediction.”
The abbot was angry. He told the young novice that since he didn’t do what he was supposed to do, he was going to give the sermon the next morning at chapel. The abbot warned the young man that he’d better do a proper job or face the consequences.
The next day was almost an exact repeat of the day before. All the brothers sat there before him. His hands shook. His knees knocked. His voice trembled. Long pause. “Do you know what I’m going to say?” he asked.
Well, after the previous day’s experience, they had a pretty good idea. So all of their heads nodded yes. “Then there’s no need for me to tell you. Let’s stand for the benediction.”
The abbot was angry beyond description. He brought the young man into his office and said, “If you do that again, you are going to be in solitary confinement, eat bread and water for thirty days, and receive any other punishment I can think of. Tomorrow morning give the homily; do it right.”
The third day, chapel attendance hit an all-time high. Everyone was there to see what he would say, and it was almost an exact repeat. He stood, trembling, voice quivering, and after a long silence asked, “Do you know what I’m going to say?”
After three days of this, half of them had a pretty good idea and they nodded their heads yes. The other half noticed the switch from day-to-day, and they weren’t sure what to expect, and so they shook their heads no. The novice observed the confusion and said, “Let those who know tell those who don’t. Let us stand for the benediction.”
Application
For those of us who know the Good news about Jesus Christ and what He has done for us we should be telling those who don’t know yet.
We have been called and commanded to reach our lost peers for Christ – those who come across our natural path in life (our friends, our neighbours, our co-workers, our families and so on).
God has put us in this exact place, at this exact time for a reason – to tell others about Him!
Let those who know tell those who don’t!
***** This post is part of a blog carnival that is happening over at Peter Pollock’s blog. Click here to read the rest of the posts!
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I really like that story. He was a smart monk!
Hehehe.
Your post reminded me of a song by Skillet – Best Kept Secret. It has the words, “You’re the best kept secret of our generation and I found You out. Let it out… And I can’t pretend I don’t know and I can’t leave it alone.”
Zee recently posted..[strategy]
I have never heard that song by Skillet. I am going to have to check it out!
Thanks for sharing Zee!
Kevin Martineau recently posted..Choose to yield first
You got me by surprise when you linked the first story with the christian’s mission.
And that is what we’re supposed to do. It sounds simple, doesn’t it? Let those who know tell those who don’t. And each one makes their choice.
Cris Ferreira recently posted..The weird strategies of God
It does sound simple yet most of us are guilty of not doing it.
Thanks for sharing Cris!
Kevin Martineau recently posted..We need to unplug from time to time
All smiles here, Kevin, over both the story and the correlation you made.
Thanks Anne!
Kevin Martineau recently posted..A dose of inspiration
I enjoyed the story about the Abbot and the Monk. While I often find that it can be challenging telling those that don’t know it rarely keeps me from trying and more often than not I find another method.
Jim Talbott recently posted..Cape Sounion
Very true Jim! It is challenging at times but we still need to look for opportunities to do it.
Thanks for sharing!
Kevin Martineau recently posted..Selfishness destroys relationships
Your last portion uses my main present-day spiritual motto: Right Place, Right Time. God has poured blessing forth so often with that: meeting people at rest areas, fast food places, gas stations, grocery stores… either folks to bless me or to give me an opportunity to bless others. I LOVE IT!!
Joanne Norton recently posted..PERSECUTION AS STRATEGY
It is awesome how God works things out in His perfect way.
Thanks for sharing Joanne!
Kevin Martineau recently posted..Is God’s grace really sufficient?
Inspirational message as always Kevin … and one I’m going to have to ponder for awhile to get the full advantage. Thanks
marquita herald recently posted..Create More Memorable Moments by Making Room for Spontaneity
Thanks Marty!
Kevin Martineau recently posted..7 ways to relationally connect with our children
Your post reminds me of the scripture that says, “Let the redeemed of the Lord SAY SO.” Good story about the Monk, and your ending to tell someone who doesn’t know!
Thanks for sharing Hazel!
Kevin Martineau recently posted..Giving up self-sufficiency
Hello Kevin
What a great story and application. The message in the video, salvation is more than just a prayer,opens our visions to a greater purpose. The purpose of being salt and light to a world that has a need to know the story of redemption and hope.
Thanks
Perry A Davis Jr
Music City
Perry A Davis Jr @Network Marketing Nut and Bolts that make building your business Fun, Simple, Magical and Profitable.s recently posted..What characteristic must a network marketer have to deal with objections and rejection?
Thanks for sharing Perry!
Kevin Martineau recently posted..God doesn’t make junk!
That was a great story and an excellent reminder of the task we have been given. “Let those who know tell those who don’t.” Excellent!
Chuck Allen recently posted..Mom vs The Zombie
Thanks Chuck!
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