Jesus, says Hebrews 12:2, is the “author” or founder of our faith. He is writing our story. He is also the “finisher” or perfecter of that story. He will complete what He has started. And He is free to edit out anything we try to add in. Jesus has sovereign rights as the Great Editor.
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I have a tendency, especially when preaching, to say too much. It has been properly diagnosed as “logorrhea” or “verbal dysentery.” I now believe Jesus seeks to cure me.
Several years back, a godly church member named Joel called me up and offered to bring lunch to my office. He said he also wanted to discuss my recent sermon series. After arriving, he got straight to the point: “Paul, you have a problem. I know, because I had a similar problem. You talk way too fast, and you speak way too long. It makes your message lose its power.” Though it stung at first—I am so thankful he loved me enough to share this. It has honed the way I seek to communicate.
After our discussion, I sought further counsel on the issue. My friend Jerry echoed the sentiments. He offered up pride as a reason for my apparent need to keep on preaching. He suggested a lack of trust in the Spirit’s power to finish what He begins.
From this, I set out to study more on what the Bible had to say. It is not silent on the topic. When words are many, transgression is not lacking, but whoever restrains his lips is prudent (Proverbs 10:19). More than just in preaching, the heart of the matter is — saying too much can be a foolish thing, leading to sin. For a dream comes with much business, and a fool's voice with many words (Ecclesiastes 5:3).
Moreover, we will be judged for the words we speak. I tell you, on the day of judgment people will give account for every careless word they speak (Matthew 12:36). The way of wisdom is, as follows: Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger (James 1:19).
When Jesus was caught in the crossfire of the religious leaders, he exemplified such wisdom. They said to him, “Teacher, this woman has been caught in the act of adultery. Now in the Law Moses commanded us to stone such women. So what do you say?” This they said to test him, that they might have some charge to bring against him. Jesus bent down and wrote with his finger on the ground. And as they continued to ask him, he stood up and said to them, “Let him who is without sin among you be the first to throw a stone at her.” And once more he bent down and wrote on the ground. But when they heard it, they went away one by one, beginning with the older ones, and Jesus was left alone with the woman standing before him (John 8:4-9). There is definitely something to be said for the “man of few words.”
The Village Church has posted manuscripts of all my past sermons there on their website. It has been a humbling exercise to read over them even now, to pray and ask: “Lord, what would you have me to edit out?”
I also think back to the days following 9/11, when the economic downturn impacted giving to radio ministries. One of my favorite preachers is Joseph Stowell, former president of Moody Bible. His radio program was forced to take a 15-minute time slot, as opposed to the usual 30-minute offering.
During this season, he reflected: “I have been required to ask myself—if I only have 15 minutes to share, what will I say that communicates the truth of God in love and power? It has made me submit every word I speak to the Spirit of God. I have learned to say more by saying less. And it has been the most fruitful preaching of my career.” Indeed, his messages carried at least twice the impact in half the time. The intentionality of the sermons brought richness and clarity.
Here, I manuscript all of my sermons. This allows Pastor Lee to view it prior to delivery. On Sunday, I preach slowly, so that those learning English can better understand my words. Pastor Lee then offers a line-by-line Korean translation. Given the length of service, my sermon should not exceed 25 minutes. This means my manuscript can be about a page and a half—maximum. It has been a truly challenging process, yet with powerful results. I have been humbled.
More than sermons, Jesus wants to edit my daily life. Words are simply overflow of my heart. This week, I am preaching from Luke 10, the story of Mary and Martha. Martha was “distracted with much serving,” as well as “anxious and troubled by many things.” Yet Jesus says only one thing is necessary. He tells her to choose the good portion, which cannot be taken from her. He wants her to simply sit at His feet, and let all her frivolous worries fall upon the cutting room floor. The Great Editor wants to remind her of the simple truth of the gospel: By grace we have been saved through faith. And this is not our own doing. It is the gift of God.
I deem it only appropriate that I keep this blog post shorter than usual. I better stop now…lest I say too much.
