Stories transport us into another world. They hold our attention. They
become remarkable vehicles for the communication of truth and meaningful
lessons that cannot be easily forgotten. If a picture is better than a
thousand words, a story is better than a million!
Some of the best stories are those spun from everyday life or from our
past. Family histories are held together and handed down from generation
to generation in stories. And these strong cords of memory actually
become the ties that bind.
Biographies drip with interesting accounts worth passing on. For example, Human Options by
the late Norman Cousins is a treasure house of his recollections,
impressions, and encounters distilled from his dozen or more trips
around the world. He calls it an "autobiographical notebook."
Stories, real and imagined, told with care and color, can say much more
than a planned speech. It is probably not surprising, then, that the
use of story was Jesus' favorite method of preaching: "he did not say
anything to them without using a parable" (Matt. 13:34, NIV).
In fact, I've never heard a great preacher who couldn't tell a good
story. Woven into the tapestry of the strong message is the ability to
communicate solid stuff through an attention-getting story.
Had I lived in Spurgeon's day, I would no doubt have subscribed to his
material. He published one sermon per week for every year of his
ministry, from 1855 until his death in 1892. So prolific was this prince
of the pulpit, that at his death there were still so many unpublished
Spurgeon sermons, they continued to be printed at the same rate for
twenty-five more years. Many include wonderful, memorable stories.
Are you interested in getting truth to stick in your child's head? Use a story.
Can't seem to penetrate your teenager's skull? Try a story.
Need a tip for making your devotional or Sunday school lesson interesting? Include a story.
Want to add some zest to your letter-writing ministry? A brief story will do the trick.
Want to learn how to tell them so folks will stay interested? Listen to Paul Harvey.
Best of all, read your Bible. His Story is one you won't be able to put down.
Grandparents (and parents, too) need to be reminded that our little
ones love to hear about how it was and what it was that brought us to
this moment. Tell your stories! Consider recording them or writing them
down for future generations.
Are you interested in getting truth to stick in your child's head? Use a story.
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