I was listening to a message by Josh McDowell. He was speaking to youth pastors. At the time, I was struggling with how to better connect with and reach our students. Josh said, “The mindset of young people has changed over the last 10 years.” “Yes,” I thought; “I agree.” I turned up the volume. I wanted to hear more.
Josh explained how that several years ago he could tell a young person that Jesus was God’s Son and is our salvation. The young person might respond by asking him to prove it. Which Josh could do very well. Oftentimes the student would be ready to pray the sinner’s prayer within a short conversation. However, today when you propose Jesus as God’s Son and the only way of salvation, the typical response is more like, “You have no right to claim that!”
Josh proceeds to tell the gathering of youth pastors that they must, “Earn the right to be heard,” and that the way they lived their lives would either cause their students to disregard what they had to say or earn their respect and thus their listening ear.
Josh’s principle is more relevant today than the day he said it. Society, and our students, have an increasingly anti-biblical worldview. They are also increasingly mistrustful of the church and Christians. In light of this, how do we, “earn the right to be heard”?
“…always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect,” 1 Peter 3:15 ESV
Discuss – Evaluate – Execute:
- Do you believe that we must, “earn the right to be heard”? Why or why not?
- What attitudes, behaviors, and actions must you exhibit to earn a hearing?
- Make a list of specific things that you will do. (SMART goals)
- Continually evaluate culture and yourself and strive for growth in this area.
- Be transparent with a friend and welcome constructive feedback.
- Journal about your journey of growth in this area.
