I speak after the manner of men because of the infirmity of your flesh: for as ye have yielded your members servants to uncleanness and to iniquity unto iniquity; even so now yield your members servants to righteousness unto holiness. (Romans 6:19)
Paul speaks (and writes) to people in a way that takes their weakness and sinfulness into account. When I accepted this fact it was quite life-changing for me. I used to be quite sophisticated and enjoy confusing or impressing people with my vocabulary, and perhaps I still get a bit of pleasure from it from time to time. But I have learned that there is nothing good about an excellent explanation if it is not suited to the person being spoken to. It is not correct to say that others should learn more so they can understand me, so a long time now I have realised that it is my responsibility to express myself in such a way that the majority of people can understand.
I have tried to do that on this blog, I avoid large or unusual words, though I am often tempted to use them. Using big words is not a sign of intelligence, it is a sign of a large vocabulary. A large vocabulary usually comes with a broad knowledge, but not always with understanding. Unless I can express something in the way that a twelve year old would understand I do not really understand it. If I need to resort to special theologian words (jargon) it is evidence that my understanding is lacking.
Unfortunately we often measure the wisdom of the man by the length of his words. But this is not logical.
Teachers, speak however you need to so that your students will understand. Students, listen and obey to upgrade your mind and you will be able to understand more and more. Learning experience from the highly experienced is the easiest way to level up.
No comments:
Post a Comment