The Bicycle and the BibleНамуна

Build Others

Ready:

"No foul language should come from your mouth, but only what is good for building up someone in need, so that it gives grace to those who hear.” --Ephesians 4:29

Set:

As cyclists geared up for the day’s group ride, Trash Talker said, “I don’t need to worry about any of that stuff. I can eat a T-bone steak immediately before a ride and still outperform y’all. I don’t worry about cadence, heart rate, power or any of the in-ride data y’all obsess over.”

Yesterday, we considered “Focus, Monitor, and Adjust.” Focus: nutrition for the ride and Scripture for life. Monitor and Adjust: in-ride data applied to the ride and Scripture to life. Today simply focuses on how we speak to each other. It’s simple but not easy.

Trash Talker had everyone’s eyes rolling as they laughed and returned jabs. It was entertaining and all in good fun as he is loved by the group. However, as we monitor Scripture and adjust life, we must step back and consider how this good-natured banter may not have been encouraging to all who heard it – particularly those who don’t know and love him as “the regulars” do.

As we monitor and adjust per Ephesians 4:29, we can see where those who engaged in this talk belittled more disciplined cyclists. How much of what we consider humorous or entertaining relies on belittling rather than building others? The dictionary defines sarcasm as “harsh, cutting, or bitter derision, often using irony to point out the deficiencies or failings of someone or something” and “a sharply ironical taunt; sneering or cutting remark.” Those definitions certainly described the banter of the morning and stand in stark contrast to Scripture.

The Bible doesn’t prohibit fun. It prescribes ways to have fun where all involved can experience joy. No one walks away dejected or with hurt feelings. Those new to the group setting will immediately feel welcome. They will not need to suffer through getting to know “that guy” – which often means intentionally overlooking offensive talk or gestures.

In addition to monitoring and adjusting to our participation in trash talk, we must also wrestle with how to encourage or build Trash Talker. The direct approach of waving our scripturally educated finger while espousing Biblical truth often invokes a closed reaction. Although it may be correct, it may not be winsome. Effective communication relies upon the hearer receiving and understanding the information in the manner it was intended. Communication teachers say, “Mind the gap” - the space (often the difference) between what someone says and what someone hears. Philippians 2:4 instructs us, “Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too,” (NLT). No one-size-fits-all solution exists in communication. It is as individual as those communicating. To make it even more challenging, effective communication depends upon giving information the way the hearer needs to hear it. The only way a communicator knows that is by connecting. It’s a lifelong pursuit. We will make mistakes, and that is where we extend grace to others and grace to ourselves.

Go:

1. Recall a time when you’ve been swept up into trash talk. Ponder that experience in light of God’s Word. How can you be better prepared for the next time you are in that setting?
2. How do you remove yourself from that scene? How do you process the information and encourage people involved to do the same?
3. How do you need to adjust your view of yourself and your communication to consider others important and address their needs?

Workout:

Proverbs 2:18-19; Ephesians 5:4; Matthew 5

Overtime:

Father, thank you for never having fun at our expense. Thank you for being the Ultimate Communicator – for knowing us, for knowing what we need to hear and knowing how we need to hear it. Thank you for never giving up on us. As we learn your communication strategies, please give us the courage to edify others by and through our communication. It’s for your glory. In Jesus’ name, Amen.