An improvisational comedy show that aired in the 90’s was called, Whose Line Is It Anyway? Audience members would suggest ideas for skits and games that four comedic actors would extemporaneously perform. Fairly often, impromptu songs would be sung, and the level of comic creativity during the thirty-minute show was often quite intriguing and entertaining.
All comedy aside, sometimes we find ourselves in unplanned, impromptu social settings where there is no script. I don’t know too many people who enjoy being put on the spot in conversation, but as Christians, we have a different perspective on life because of the great hope we have through Jesus Christ. Whether we’re talking with a neighbor about a troubling family situation, or sitting next to a cancer patient in a waiting room, or standing in a check-out line behind a distraught young mother whose toddler is throwing a temper tantrum, we are encouraged in 1 Peter 3:15 (NIV) to always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect.
In all of life’s situations, Jesus is with us, and it is His great desire to use us in drawing people to a saving knowledge of Him. The Apostle Peter stressed that we do this with gentleness and respect. The distraught young mother, the cancer patient, the anxious neighbor need to hear encouraging, comforting, life-giving words from the heart of Jesus. Timely advice is lovely, like golden apples in a silver basket. (Proverbs 25:11). If our communication line is open with the Lord, we have ready access to the Greatest Communicator there has ever been. The Lord will give us just the right words to say in those awkward, unrehearsed, unscripted moments of conversation. Ask Him to help make this a reality in your life: Let your conversation be gracious and attractive so that you will have the right response for everyone. (Colossians 4:6).
© 2020, Chris Werre
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