We’ve all heard jokes or stories about the wordy preacher that drones on and on not seeming to realize the time. On occasion I’ll admit that in my speaking or in my writing I’ve been known to be a little bit wordy. But sometimes there’s just so much I want to share!! ☺ Or the fantasy is, if I just share one more point then everyone will find this topic as interesting or meaningful as I do. Rarely is that true.
Just recently I’ve been reading an article in a national news magazine that deals with this very real problem in our nation. The problem is oversharing. Or the technical term is “Talkaholism” which is defined as the addiction to talking. The article states that some people just cannot not talk, or so it would seem. Social media has only made this issue worse because everybody can have a platform and it seems that oversharing about one’s life has become the norm.
The cover story title for the article is “Zip It!! The Power of Saying Less!” The other headline for the article was “Talking Less Will Get You More.” The article talks about several big name CEOs and a Supreme Court Justice that uses few words when responding to questions or they pause often in their responses to make sure they are using the proper words. These individuals are seen as very effective at what they do by talking less.
This article reminds me of something that Jesus said that is included in what we refer to as the Sermon on the Mount contained in Matthew 5-7. Jesus says, “Let your word be ‘Yes, Yes’ or ‘No, No.’ Matthew 5:37. This verse is contained in a short section in which Jesus is talking about oaths, which were a common thing in Jesus’ day. Oaths were a way for a person to emphasize the importance of something being said. Occasionally you’ll hear someone say, “It’s the truth, I swear.” Or “I swear on my mothers grave!” That’s the kind of thing Jesus is talking about.
However, in Jesus’ day people would get pretty elaborate with their oaths, making them more and more wordy, more and more complicated. People were also using wordy, complex oaths because it made it easier for individuals to find wiggle room for getting out of their oaths. But Jesus steps in with a clear word – speak plainly and simply – “Let your word be ‘Yes, Yes’ or ‘No, No.’ This is such an important and necessary word that James, Jesus' brother, used these same words in his letter, “Let your Yes be Yes and your No be No.” James 5:12
I always find it amusing when some big modern day study basically says the same thing that Jesus said so many years ago. The study done about talking too much basically recommends that we listen more and even try to allow for more silence in our lives. Yes, for some people that is hard. I’ve had some people say that is why they can’t or won’t pray more, because they can’t/won’t be silent.
So, as we seek to follow Jesus more closely each and every day, may we also strive to live out his words and his example. Yes, there are times when talking is important, but there are also times when it is important to listen and to be silent. May God give us the wisdom to know when those different moments are.
Serving Together
Pastor Keith
P.S. If you’re interested, there is a Talkaholic quiz. Just google it and you’ll find it.