Have you ever read a book that seemed to just about transform your life, then recommended it to someone else who didn’t find it to be very profound? Or have you ever really loved a movie, and later found that none of your friends seemed to even like it much? This can make you feel dejected or foolish, or it can lead you to judge your friends as the ones who are clueless. But, chances are that something else is actually at cause under the surface.

Proverbs 11:23 says, “A man finds joy in giving an apt reply – and how good is a timely word!” Often, timing is everything. Frequently a movie, a book, an article or a message will impact us because it seems to really apply to our lives and challenges. The point might address your heart circumstances, but not someone else’s. So, it might not be that you are necessarily out of step with your friends; it might be that the timing of the message was better for you than for them. It’s also interesting that sometimes these “on target” messages come from very surprising places.

The difference between knowledge and wisdom is application. Wisdom is the right application of knowledge. And wisdom usually involves timing. We must give ourselves to the acquiring of knowledge and understanding, but it is the application of these resources that produces fruit. Applying what you “know” is how your life will be positively shaped in God. We must not “merely listen to the word (of God’s instruction) … we must do what it says.” (James 1:22)

The challenge isn’t always to know the truth; it is to know when and where it applies. When you speak truth to others, often timing is everything; how good is a timely word! The first step is to discern the most applicable truth; the second is to discern when to say it. There are good moments and bad moments, teachable moments and stubborn moments, sad moments and happy moments, heavy moments and light moments. A timely word requires good insight and good timing. Consider the life situation of those you are addressing. Do what you can to be in touch with their heart and need. Make sure that your message and timing work together to comfort, encourage and strengthen, even if it includes correction.

It is a joy to receive a word aptly spoken to us; it is also a joy to aptly (and helpfully) speak one to others – how good is a timely word!

Learning with you,

Pastor Tom Griffith

This entry was posted on Friday, October 26th, 2007 Friday @ the River. Subscribe to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed.