November 5th. Broken Can Be Loud.

How long has it been since there was a communication breakdown for you? It happens at home, on the field, and in an organization as well. As a leader, are we being active to fix those breakdowns? If we are not in action to repair communication, then we are part of the breakdown.

If we will not step up or step in to fix them, they are likely to remain broken. Broken channels of communication will not deliver our message nor our purpose. Think about the energy supplied by the energy power grid. You likely have a physical line that connects to it, and you use the energy as it comes across those lines.

If the line breaks, what would you do to fix it? I would think that you would inform the power company or call an electrician that might be able to fix the break. If no one gives the notification, then the lack of power will continue, and people will be stuck without power.

Our communication lines are more difficult to see when they are broken than are power lines. There are often symptoms of broken communication lines. Frustration, overlapping work, and attitudinal outbursts are only a few. When we see them, we might want to do an audit of our communication and fix the channels.

Do you recognize any of these symptoms in you, your team, or family right now? Are you willing to risk the costs associated with being out of energy that communication provides? What is the first thing that you can do about it this week?

As Christians, we certainly have our language which might be confusing to others. The narthex, the altar, the baptismal font, the blood of Christ. Not only can we confuse people with our words, but sometimes it is how we say it.

We read, "If anyone loudly blesses their neighbor early in the morning, it will be taken as a curse.” Proverbs 27:14 NIV. Have you been confused, even offended, by how loudly someone has said "Amen" before? Can giving someone else directions around your church be difficult?

I find that it is better to show someone where the washroom is rather than give directions. We might want to watch our use of acronyms and abbreviations, as they can be confusing. Perhaps we should only use them when they are used when working with a group of mature believers.

That might be a good idea. Where have you caused confusion and miscommunication with your church language? What five words might you be able to use this week to avoid confusion? I think that we might consider some five-word expressions.

We could use, “how would you say it?” and “explain it to me please” to increase communication. Which of the two could inspire a higher level of communication in your faith? What is the first thing you can do about it in the next seven days?

Let us pray, Heavenly Father, thank you for the language of love that you shared with us in Jesus. Bless our thoughts and minds when we communicate with others. Help us to be self-aware when using language so that it does not hurt or offend others. May our words, thoughts, and actions all honor you. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen,