February 27

Feb 27 - Today from Proverbs 27 we look at verse 14
"If a man loudly blesses his neighbor early in the morning, it will be taken as a curse."

There is a great principle contained within this proverb that many people fail to practice. I sometimes think that finesse is a lost art in our culture. The dictionary defines finesse thusly;
1. Refinement and delicacy of performance, execution, or artisanship. 2. Subtlety; tact.
This proverb is telling us that timing and delivery are as important as the message.
I will share one of the best examples I know. Because I have been intimate friends with a number of Pastors and church leaders, and have done a significant amount of pulpit supply myself, I know this to be a common truth. Pastors and worship leaders spend a meaningful amount of time in prayer and preparation leading up to a worship service. Their concern is that they are spiritually focused and in tune with the Holy Spirit in order to make the service as meaningful and impacting as possible. It is a commitment to excellence in ministry. Many people must not be aware of the spiritual discipline and preparation these servants exercise prior to a service in order to get focused. People apparently assume these servants just walk right up and do their thing, just like breathing. I say this because people seem to have no qualms about approaching the Pastor or the worship leader before a service and proceed to dump an issue on them which has nothing to do with the service and totally disrupts their focus. There are six days in the week for which people can contact Pastors and worship leaders and make an appointment to talk about these issues. But they choose a critical time of focus, just before a service, to throw their thoughts off course. The leader must then make extra effort to try to get back in focus and on course before the service begins. By God's grace, many times they do. But, sometimes they don't. Here they are trying to lead worship, or to preach a message, and someone has placed an irritating little thorn just under the surface. Has a thorn or a sliver ever plagued you? It isn't noticeable to others. It is not a wound, which needs immediate attention. But it irritates and is difficult to take your mind off until it is removed.
That's what people without finesse do. They think they are engaging in important dialogue - something the Pastor or worship leader should be aware of. "Pastor, can I talk to you a minute?" A cold shiver runs down the Pastor's spine. "Well, I guess so. What is it?"
"Did you know that Mr. Jones was seen with another woman in Maplewood on Tuesday?" Ouch! Insert thorn. Now go preach your message.
"Miss Jones, (worship leader), I hear that your organist is leaving. Is that true? What are you going to do now?" Ouch! Insert thorn. Now go lead the congregation in worship.
These issues are not curses. They may be presented in genuine concern. They become a curse because the person delivering the message lacked finesse. Timing and delivery are very important. The example above is one that is obvious to me because of my experience. I hope it helps the reader to be more sensitive in their timing and approach to church leaders. But we must grow in wisdom in using finesse in every theater of life. The message you have to share may be significant, but be sensitive in your timing and deliverance of the message. It makes a huge difference as to how it is received.