What do we talk about?

I talk a lot with people. Sometimes I wonder if I am doing a good job at it. I can chat all day about most things and only on few occasions have people fallen asleep on me. What I really mean is—do the topics of conversation I wander to reflect God’s concerns? Or, another way to put this is; “If community is going to be genuinely Christian, what will we talk about? We will talk about following Christ.” Paul put it this way:

“And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses, entrust to reliable men, who will also be qualified to teach others….Remember my gospel…” 2 Timothy 2:2, 8

What did he want Timothy to talk about? The things he said in front of many witnesses. From the rest of his writings, his central message and the overall teaching that holds everything together is the gospel (Col 1:6-8): The good news.

This is what gives Christian community teeth. It is the only thing that sets it apart as Christian. Mormons, Jews, Jehovah Witnesses all talk about the Bible and so should we. But the gospel is the message over which Paul said, if somebody teaches you something contrary, let them be condemned (Gal 1). In other words, it is the Christian interpretation of scripture. It sees the entire scripture through the lens of the incarnation, the crucifixion, the resurrection and ascension of the Lord Jesus Christ. These historical events bear upon our every minute life. It is the message that teaches and the teaching that calls me to a response.

My fear is that it is easy for us to unknowingly teach something else—not by directly teaching against the gospel, but—by ignoring its importance in our conversation.

So, how are you responding in faith to the gospel today? I am by writing this. Ask me tomorrow.