An Exercise in Self-Revelation
Someone gave me an age-old article titled My War on Gobbledygook. I think it originates from a December 1980 issue of the Notre Dame News. I love the opening quote by Edward Fischer:
Writing is not about split infinitives and dangling participles. It is an exercise in self-revelation, and if the self is dull, then dullness escapes.
Preaching and writing are exercises in self-revelation. That is why experienced truth is so important. I don't want to preach sermons I've studied but haven't lived. At the end of the day--you are the message.
If you live an interesting life your sermons will be interesting. If you have a sense of humor your sermons will be funny. If you care deeply about people your sermons will make people cry. And as Edward Fischer said, if you are dull your messages will be dull :)
Writing is not about split infinitives and dangling participles. It is an exercise in self-revelation, and if the self is dull, then dullness escapes.
Preaching and writing are exercises in self-revelation. That is why experienced truth is so important. I don't want to preach sermons I've studied but haven't lived. At the end of the day--you are the message.
If you live an interesting life your sermons will be interesting. If you have a sense of humor your sermons will be funny. If you care deeply about people your sermons will make people cry. And as Edward Fischer said, if you are dull your messages will be dull :)
1 Comments:
I think that is such a beautiful thought. I remember your sermons and a few brief conversations and you came across the same way in person as you did in front of a group. I always appreciated that genuine quality. There are some preachers that just blow you away and then you talk to them and wonder "who wrote thier sermon?" So on top of living the interesting life comes keeping it real, not trying to be more then you actually are. You have always done that and it was very much appreciated. Thanks!
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