Stuff I've Learned 1

I have an incredibly interesting job.  I once heard a dear friend, and long-time campus missionary, describe it by saying, “I’m not really sure what I do, but I sure do a lot of it.”  He was joking of course, and referring to the constantly evolving nature of campus missions. 

Even in the dynamic state of “everflux,” as I like to call it, there are constants.  I will always be tasked with reaching people with the good news of the Gospel and there will always be hurting people who look to me for counsel.

I don’t have any Bible verses or great words of deep theological insight for you in this little blurb; but that doesn’t mean you won’t find Biblical precedence for these things. What I have instead is a little bit of helpful, practical, stuff I’ve learned along this interesting eight-year journey in campus missions.

1)     Speak truth in love.  If people are asking your advice you owe it to both of you to lay the truth out there in the most direct, and loving way possible.  Don’t pull your punches and confuse the issue, but don’t be mean about it either.

2)     Be comfortable in your own skin.  It’s incredibly helpful when communicating with people to have a healthy opinion of yourself.  That means honest self-evaluation that reveals the good and the bad.  Whether you’re up in front of a crowd or just talking to a friend; it’s a lot easier to talk about deep issues, and not so deep, if you don’t take yourself too seriously all the time.

I’ll have a few more over the next few days.