The Beauty of Being a Babbler
It was about 45 years ago that I figured out I was or would be accused of being a babbler. I was early in my days of campus ministry when I thought that some might see me or better, hear me, as a babbler.
When I began my work in campus ministry, I was somewhat motivated by a passage in Acts 17 when Paul preached at Areopagus, which was also known as Mars Hill. This place in Athens, Greece, was where the great scholars and philosophers of the day would gather to share their ideas and their knowledge with each other. Athens was known as an intellectual center, and those who spoke on Mars Hill would likely hold powerful roles in their culture.
Starting a campus ministry in 1979 on any university campus felt like being called into a place filled with professors and students who were teaching and learning ideas that were both ancient and modern. The dialogue between student and professor was the thing that would shape the next generation in business, philosophy, technology, medicine, government, and in every area of life. Maybe I saw myself as one who would step into that arena and have an impact on both teacher and student as I came to share the good news of Jesus.
It wasn’t long before I felt in over my head! I had read and even studied some philosophy and theology. I had read classical and modern philosophers and theologians. But soon, I thought that if I dared to enter the conversations, I would definitely be seen as a babbler. And my babbling might be comical relative to those seriously trained academics on the campus of Auburn University.
Reflecting back on my 10 years of campus ministry that included several years of graduate school, I will admit that I don’t recall any real debates with professors about God, though I developed meaningful relationships with many. Some professors were atheists, some believers, some agnostic. Along the way, I figured out that I actually didn’t have to win any debates. I simply needed to share my faith and live my faith, and the rest would take care of itself. The same was true of students.
Paul was masterful on Mars Hill as he presented the gospel message in a way that was relatable to those who listened. Paul’s message culminated with his presentation of Jesus and specifically of the resurrection. And guess what the response was to Paul’s wonderful and powerful presentation?
“Now when they heard of the resurrection of the dead, some mocked. But others said, “We will hear you again about this.” So Paul went out from their midst. But some men joined him and believed, among whom also were Dionysius the Areopagite and a woman named Damaris and others with them.”
Luke tells us that some mocked Paul. Some thought his presentation was interesting, and they might want to listen to him again some time. And some joined Paul and came to believe in Jesus and the resurrection. We don’t know how many, but one guy named Dionysius and a woman named Damaris believed and joined Paul.
I’ve been writing these devotionals five days a week since 2014. I don’t keep up with how many people read them, but I occasionally hear from lawyers, doctors, professors, engineers, and many others who have varied academic backgrounds. When I write I sometimes think I am not very clear and maybe even babbling! But in the end, I am trying to do just one thing: point readers toward Jesus through his word.
What if every day those of us who believe in the resurrection saw our job as simply presenting Jesus in the arenas we have been given? And remember, we are not responsible for the outcomes of our presentations. On our best days, some who hear or watch us might mock us. Others may be curious and want a little more from us or from another believer. And some might just choose to follow Jesus.
There’s nothing wrong with being a babbler. And if you read Paul’s words in 1 Corinthians 1, you might even discover that what might be seen as foolish in the eyes of the world is actually the wisdom and power of God.
“For the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men. For consider your calling, brothers: not many of you were wise according to worldly standards, not many were powerful, not many were of noble birth. But God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise; God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong.”
Father, we surrender our hearts and minds to you and ask that you transform us, that we might reflect who you are and what you have done through Christ and his resurrection. We trust that as we share our faith in word and deed that you will bring others to know you and receive the life that comes from Christ and Christ alone. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Your Time with God’s Word
Acts 17:16-34; 1 Corinthians 1:18-31 ESV
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