Communicating in a Disconnected World

I am amazed at how communication works. Last week a funeral home in El Paso, Texas put out an invitation on Facebook that read, “Mr. Antonio Basco was married for 22 years to his wife, Margie Reckard, he had no other family. He welcomes anyone to attend his wife’s service.” It went viral.

Many of us that read this devotional would consider (my assumption) ourselves to be advanced communicators. In fact, most of us make our living by engaging others in ministry and mission through communication. We write, speak, share, and repeat messages one on one, in small groups, and large forums. We use words through various outlets to express our values, goals, and expectations with others.

Be reminded, Jesus, the master communicator used story often to teach his students. Throughout the gospel we see the effectiveness of Jesus’ stories through the writers. Like here in Luke 12:16-21.

16 And he told them a parable, saying, “The land of a rich man produced plentifully, 17 and he thought to himself, ‘What shall I do, for I have nowhere to store my crops?’ 18 And he said, ‘I will do this: I will tear down my barns and build larger ones, and there I will store all my grain and my goods. 19 And I will say to my soul, “Soul, you have ample goods laid up for many years; relax, eat, drink, be merry.”’ 20 But God said to him, ‘Fool! This night your soul is required of you, and the things you have prepared, whose will they be?’ 21 So is the one who lays up treasure for himself and is not rich toward God.”

Jesus’ main point in this story is “not to covet.” We can be rich in this world and miss the mark of this journey. This guy was set, ready to enjoy life, he had worked hard to get to this place. Yet, instead of him enjoying his success it would be left to his heirs. Story still communicates today.

Margie Richard was one of 22 victims in the August 3 shooting at Walmart in El Paso. Hundreds came together to support Antonio. Jordan Ballard flew in from Los Angles. When asked why she was in attendance with the other mourners, she simply stated, “His story moved me.”

We have the privilege of communicating “the greatest story” known to humanity. The good news of what God has done for us is personal, gripping, and benefits us all. It transforms lives daily and continues to go viral around this disconnected world.

PRAYER: Lord Jesus, thanks for sharing your life with us in this world. May we find ways to tell the gospel story to those around us. Let our story always include your story as we connect with those in our paths. Amen.