What kinds of conversations do you engage in? ~ Mike MacIntosh

Then He came to Capernaum. And when He was in the house He asked them, "What was it you disputed among yourselves on the road?"

But they kept silent, for on the road they had disputed among themselves who would be the greatest. And He sat down, called the twelve, and said to them, "If anyone desires to be first, he shall be last of all and servant of all."
Mark 9:33-35

What kinds of conversations do you engage in? Jesus spent His lifetime teaching people about life and death issues (literally!), but for some reason, His own disciples would rather focus on who would be greatest. And unfortunately, most of us fall into this category as well. I mean, we talk to our co-workers, spouses, families, and friends about sporting events and playoffs, the weather, and the things that irritate us about others. But isn't it amazing that when it comes to life and death issues, we clam up?

We talk about everything except the real issues of life with people. What Jesus Christ has done for us is absolutely amazing, yet we can't even get the words out of our mouths. How easy is it to talk about political issues, yet we forget to share the love of Jesus to people who may be eternally separated from the King of kings and Lord of lords.

I wonder how many people we talk to really want to talk about their problems, and yet we hinder the work of the Holy Spirit because we'd rather talk about eternally-meaningless things. I bet if you engaged in a conversation about your faith, or the love of Jesus, that many people would start opening up their hearts and share with you their hurts and pains.

All it takes is willingness on your part. Allow the Holy Spirit to give you courage, as well as the simple words to express to your co-workers and friends the love of Jesus--let Him be the "greatest" in your conversations.