“I went to my Bible study class last night,” I said, “and there is a person in the class who really bothers me sometimes.”
“In what way?” Stan asked.
“I pray it is not just me having a wrong attitude,” I began, “but this person seems to go out of his way to try to sound profound with his answers to the study questions.”
Continuing, I said, “He often seems to go on and on with things that seem to me to go way beyond what was required by the question. He makes me feel like my answer to the question may be too simplistic.”
“I understand perfectly,” Stan responded. “I have seen that same thing more than once in different Bible study classes. I have heard it from the pulpit. For whatever reasons, some people seem to want to do the research so they will sound profound. Not sure who they are trying to impress, but it is essential for me to remember that profound truth is the point, not that I have to sound profound in speaking it.”
“Profound truth,” I repeated. “Without sounding profound.”
Continuing, Stan said, “I may be accused of being too simplistic at times, but I vastly prefer to error on that side of things so a point is not missed. I think that is much better than an analysis that is inappropriate for the setting, one that leaves another person thinking that he or she does not understand. I think there is also the danger of shutting someone down so they stop listening.”
“I don’t want to be like the person,” he added, “who has given a long talk and then asks if there are any questions, and a person says, ‘Yes, I have a question. What did you say?'”
“Keep it simple,” I responded.
“I think so,” Stan replied. “No need to make it more complicated than necessary. The truth is the truth. After all, the apostle Paul often kept to the simple truth of Christ crucified. Profound truth in a simple statement. Don’t have to sound profound to speak profound truth.”
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And when I came to you, brethren, I did not come with superiority of speech or of wisdom, proclaiming to you the testimony of God. For I determined to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ and Him crucified. 1 Corinthians 2:1, 2.
Prayer: Thank you, Father, for the truth, the simple truth, that you sent your only begotten Son to redeem the world. Thank you for those who brought me to that truth so that I can look forward to spending eternity with you when it is time. Thank you, as well, that because of what you have done I can spend the time I have remaining on this side of eternity knowing you more deeply. Please help me in keeping to your truth and not seeking to present myself to others in ways that distract from your truth. Thank you I can and do bring these prayers before you in the name of Jesus. Amen.
Waiting for the Train 