We have the most influence on people when we are the least manipulative. Perhaps this is part of Jesus' meaning when he told his disciples to be wise as serpents and harmless as doves. We believers need to make sure that the quality of our presentation maintains the same high integrity as the message we're trying to communicate.
An adolescent's relationship with his mother when approaching adulthood can be a confusing one. This is a desire for independence that in one way is normal and healthy for teenage boys. But sometimes, a young man will use destructive methods to break away from his mother.
I spoke to a group of church youth not long ago and my credentials were never once challenged and my presentation went off without a hitch. But I left wondering if anything had registered with any of those young people. Every week, such unsung heroes, youth workers attempt to communicate the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
John L. Cooper says it is time for the church to rediscover the preeminence of the Word. And to value the teaching of the Word. We need to value truth over feeling!