Somehow, I think many people feel worn down by – or even insignificant – amidst the vast array of opportunities for comment, opinion and participation:

We are participating in:
1. a democracy, giving input into the collective mind and action of society. It can be most rewarding.
2. personal, one-to-one conversations, where what we say can be of extremely good influence upon others.
3. churches, where everyone brings their democratic know-how and techniques into an open environment.
4. a global conversation, regarding cultures and nations and religions, on internet, newspaper, TV and so on.

Jesus’ life, for example his concentrated entry into Jerusalem on a colt, indicates that it is human dignity to focus on the most essential of matters.

P.T. Forsyth in an essay entitled ‘The Divine Self-emptying’ said ‘Self-limitation is one of the infinite powers of Godhead’.

As those in his image, we too need to exercise a degree of ’self-limitation’ in order to be most fruitful. A Christian needs to focus upon the direct proclamation of the gospel, in ways that are not merely painting with a broad brush (culture wars), but are engaging with others meaningfully, effectually (in good old fashioned conversation).

Praise God for both the ready pen of a writer (Ps. 45:1), and the fiery tongue of a conversation bearing witness to Christ (Acts 2:3) – public or private.

Trevor Faggotter, Tasmania