I can always tell how much experience a player has in racquetball by how hard they hit. If they are always trying to smash the ball through the wall, they’re new to the game. If they regularly tap the ball into the corner, they’ve spent some time on the court.
Recently, I was at a conference that reminded me of this. But the theme of the conference wasn’t racquetball, it was Lessons from Fiction: Lewis, Tolkien, & God's Plan for the Household.
Recently, I was at a conference that reminded me of this. But the theme of the conference wasn’t racquetball, it was Lessons from Fiction: Lewis, Tolkien, & God's Plan for the Household.
But after hearing the two speakers from that first night, I couldn’t help but thinking of a comparison to racquetball.
Rookies and Veterans
One speaker was young and the other was old. One was fresh and the other was well-seasoned. One tried to smash it and the other simply tapped it. One was a rookie and the other was a veteran.
I recognize that every veteran has to start somewhere. This post isn’t about beating up on the rookie. He had several good things to teach, and I appreciated what he shared. But there are lessons here to learn.
I recognize that every veteran has to start somewhere. This post isn’t about beating up on the rookie. He had several good things to teach, and I appreciated what he shared. But there are lessons here to learn.
Triumphant in the Pulpit
The younger man came in the strength of his zeal. Even his introduction seemed to indicate this. I don’t remember all of it, but I remember that it said he was, "Triumphant in the pulpit." That may be true, I sincerely hope it is, but if he wrote that introduction, I may have cause for concern.
A man should be careful lest he mistakes his own strength or eloquence for the work of the Holy Spirit. Preaching in the power of the Holy Spirit may well include both, but preaching in his own power—relying on himself rather than God—is a sure way to get out of step with the Spirit (Gal. 5:25). The path of self-sufficiency leads away from God, and it only returns to Him after some hard knocks.
If a man expects to be triumphant in the pulpit by his own power, he’s missing the point. He needs to depend on the Holy Spirit. His triumph is ultimately determined by the Holy Spirit triumphing in his heart and the hearts of those in his congregation.
A man should be careful lest he mistakes his own strength or eloquence for the work of the Holy Spirit. Preaching in the power of the Holy Spirit may well include both, but preaching in his own power—relying on himself rather than God—is a sure way to get out of step with the Spirit (Gal. 5:25). The path of self-sufficiency leads away from God, and it only returns to Him after some hard knocks.
If a man expects to be triumphant in the pulpit by his own power, he’s missing the point. He needs to depend on the Holy Spirit. His triumph is ultimately determined by the Holy Spirit triumphing in his heart and the hearts of those in his congregation.
Brains and Brawn
The other point to make is that when a man only preaches with brawn (i.e high energy, animated movement, and a loud voice), and preaches that way week after week throughout the entirety of each sermon, he raises his baseline. (This is the same principle that led Syndrome to say in The Incredibles, “When everyone's super... no one will be.”) A tool that should engage people’s attention doesn’t. They’ve gotten used to a type of monotone.
This doesn’t mean there aren’t appropriate times to smash the ball into the wall as hard as possible. There are! But that can’t be every hit. It’s not sustainable, and it’s not typically a winning strategy. Success doesn’t always follow strength.
This is where brains come in. Racquetball is one of those unique sports old men still play. This isn’t just because the game requires less running since it’s restricted to a big box. It’s because at its higher levels this is a game all about technique. It includes Z-serves that are nearly impossible to hit as they float past, corner shots where the ball drops and stops, an unshakable control of the center of the court, etc.
The benefit of age is experience—years of it. Deeper understanding, recognized patterns, unique connections, and mastered technique all come with time, but when these are acquired they provide immense leverage. Wisdom is a tool and a treasure (Prov. 3:13-15).
This doesn’t mean there aren’t appropriate times to smash the ball into the wall as hard as possible. There are! But that can’t be every hit. It’s not sustainable, and it’s not typically a winning strategy. Success doesn’t always follow strength.
This is where brains come in. Racquetball is one of those unique sports old men still play. This isn’t just because the game requires less running since it’s restricted to a big box. It’s because at its higher levels this is a game all about technique. It includes Z-serves that are nearly impossible to hit as they float past, corner shots where the ball drops and stops, an unshakable control of the center of the court, etc.
The benefit of age is experience—years of it. Deeper understanding, recognized patterns, unique connections, and mastered technique all come with time, but when these are acquired they provide immense leverage. Wisdom is a tool and a treasure (Prov. 3:13-15).
This is what I saw on display when the older man spoke at the conference. He was relaxed, conversational, and assured. It was like he was speaking to us while we sat by the fireplace in his home. I wouldn’t say that he spoke slowly, but he did speak patiently. He was giving us a lesson not a workout. His were valuable talks filled with insights to ponder, inspiration to stoke, and lessons to apply.
Disclaimers
These are all thoughts from a conference. I’ve never actually heard either of these men preach on a Lord’s Day. That’s important to consider. I want to be charitable and gracious with my brothers. I wish them both good success.
When it comes down to it, I’m less concerned with evaluating them overall and more interested in drawing lessons from what I did see.
I also recognize this is all easy for me to say. I’ve never filled the pulpit. But if I ever preach, may the Lord allow me to take my own advice. As Adam Grant once said, “Listen to the advice you give to others. It’s usually the advice you need to take yourself.”
When it comes down to it, I’m less concerned with evaluating them overall and more interested in drawing lessons from what I did see.
I also recognize this is all easy for me to say. I’ve never filled the pulpit. But if I ever preach, may the Lord allow me to take my own advice. As Adam Grant once said, “Listen to the advice you give to others. It’s usually the advice you need to take yourself.”
The Master
As I conclude, we should look to the LORD. He is the Master, and His voice is ultimate.
In its power, His voice strips the forest bare, and in its tenderness, His voice causes the deer to give birth (Ps. 29:9). His voice makes nations skip like calves, and His voice flashes forth flames of fire (Ps. 29:6-7). The Israelites in the wilderness begged to hear it no more for fear they would surely die (Deut. 5:25), yet Elijah heard it not in the wind, earthquake, or fire, but as a low whisper—a still, small voice (1 Kings 19:11-12).
God has given us His Word, and it does not return void (Isa 55:11). He is triumphant regardless of the strategy He chooses.
In its power, His voice strips the forest bare, and in its tenderness, His voice causes the deer to give birth (Ps. 29:9). His voice makes nations skip like calves, and His voice flashes forth flames of fire (Ps. 29:6-7). The Israelites in the wilderness begged to hear it no more for fear they would surely die (Deut. 5:25), yet Elijah heard it not in the wind, earthquake, or fire, but as a low whisper—a still, small voice (1 Kings 19:11-12).
God has given us His Word, and it does not return void (Isa 55:11). He is triumphant regardless of the strategy He chooses.