Sometimes as a communicator there is a temptation to use old examples that I’ve used before as illustrations in a message. One night at one of our ENCM meetings at FSU, I was using an evangelistic example I had used before in a message. It had been a long time since I had used it and most of the students had probably never heard that example, but as I was speaking and telling the story, the Holy Spirit just whispered, “Why don’t you have any new stories?”
I felt like I just got smacked in the face. I was reminded of this last night watching an interview on TV with a prominent Christian pastor. I’ve heard him say this same story at least 3 times and I don’t even go to his church. It just reminded me, if we are really living a life that proclaims the gospel, there should never be a shortage of new stories.
Are you living your life in such a way that you don’t have to tell old stories over and over?
I disagree. Sometimes the recycling of stories is justified.
A very good point.
J. Matt, not saying old stories are bad, just that we need new ones.
Great post Ross. I agree.