Talking Past Each Other

The conversation ends and I wonder to myself, "were we talking about the same subject or were we talking past each other?" More disconcerting are the occasions when I have no idea that I have talked past someone!

The disciples found themselves in this same awkward situation with Jesus. He was talking about one subject while the disciples were talking about another. Jesus had the advantage; He knew what they were thinking. Jesus was talking about the yeast of the Pharisees while they were talking about bread to eat.

  Aware of their discussion, Jesus asked them: Why are you talking about having no bread? (Mark 8:17 NIV) 

So how do I keep from talking past people? Since I cannot read minds like Jesus, I must ask people questions. The same is true when I interact with God and His Word. Reading the Word of God comes alive when I ask Him questions that bring clarity to my life and my understanding of His teachings.

Asking questions of my wife and others will help to keep me out of trouble in my daily life. Asking questions of Jesus will help me to grow in faith and in spiritual maturity. This week let’s avoid the embarrassment of talking past each other. Let’s ask questions.

Sharing the journey with you,