If you’re like me, it’s often easy to be more focused on communicating the hope of what’s next than it is to heed the need for accurate communication about what’s now. From the men’s retreat to summer camp, it’s easy to get lost in the hype of tomorrow.
During the Battle of Chancellorsville, Major General Joseph Hooker was so convinced his Union Army was going to defeat Robert E. Lee’s Confederate Army that he communicated it was OK for troops to barbecue the night before battle because victory would be theirs in the morning. “Fighting Joe’s” embarrassing retreat the next day can be traced to his misplaced hubris about communicating a reality that did not exist, contrary to repeated attempts by advisers that suggested otherwise.
I think it’s due time we stop expending so many resources telling people about our next event, next campaign or the next sermon series, and instead spend more time communicating what is happening now. The stories of transformation. The stories that inspire the imagination. The stories right in front of us. Telling stories I know are true go so much further than telling stories I want to be true.
I’m all for thinking ahead and leading people into the future, but not at the expense of communicating what God is doing now.
Sam
November 10, 2009
Looks like someone’s done some reflecting on Malcolm Gladwell’s Catalyst talk!
Craig Littlejohn
November 11, 2009
Brad… you hit the spot. There really is so much to be taken from these moments. We have been going through some stuff at my new church where we would all like to focus on what is ahead . However, we are learning to walk in the story God has for us right now. And finding great peace. Thanks for the post.