We get to hear a lot of preaching. That has gotten me to
thinking about a couple of kinds of public speaking that we sometimes get
confused in our thinking. Those 2 things are preaching & motivational speaking.
My conviction is that preaching involves proclaiming content
of the Bible, thru the supernatural enablement of the Spirit, for several
specific, redemptive purposes. These purposes are to bring people into a personal
relationship with Christ, to inspire believers’ spiritual growth, & to
encourage disciples to fulfill their specific God-given part in fulfilling the
Great Commission.
Preaching is not the aim or climax of the worship service;
like every other part of a service, it is intended to prepare people to respond
to what the Holy Spirit desires to do in their lives.
In very broad terms, motivational speaking encourages people
to develop their own abilities & talents so that their lives can reach
maximum potential. Motivational speakers sometimes use biblical texts or
stories to confirm or illustrate what they are saying. As a result of self-development,
individuals should become better partners, parents, employees, leaders, etc.
There are some overlaps between these 2 kinds of speaking. Both
should inform & motivate. Both should result in lives that are fuller &
better lived.
But, there is a difference.
Preaching should begin & end with God’s sovereign plan
for people. Motivational speaking tends to focus on our desires & plans. It
may only make God & the Bible incidental in reaching the goals that we have
set for ourselves.
Preaching focuses on the fulfillment of what God ultimately wants,
while motivational speaking values what we desire at that particular season of
our lives. I can be a successful spouse or employee without necessarily finding
the place that God has ordained for me.
Just a few thoughts for consideration...
No comments:
Post a Comment