Taking a moment to walk in their shoes…

“Then Paul said, ‘I am a Jew, born in Tarsus of Cilicia, but brought up in this city. Under Gamaliel I was thoroughly trained in the law of our fathers and was just as zealous for God as any of you are today.”
Acts 22:3

Life Application Bible Commentary:
“By saying that at one time he was as zealous for God as any of his listeners, Paul was acknowledging their sincere motives behind their desire to kill him and recognizing that he would have done the same to Christian leaders a few years earlier. Paul always tried to establish a common point of contact with his audience before launching into a full-scale defense of Christianity. When you witness for Christ, first identify yourself with your audience. They will be much more likely to listen if they feel a common bond with you.”

There are so many lessons we can learn from Paul’s life. That guy was an amazing example of how one can be drastically transformed and utilized by God to further His kingdom. In this particular passage, we learn a captivating way to witness.

Its sounds so simple, right? To “identify with your audience”. And it makes so much sense. I mean, think of all the lectures you attended. Is it just me, or do you tend to put more value in what is discussed when you feel the speaker is credible, that he has been where you have been, or at least understands your way of life? It’s a shame more speakers don’t begin their lectures with this tactic. Paul had that approach down, and had a wonderful way of showing empathy toward whatever audience he stood before. I think the reason we don’t find more lectures structured with this guiding principle is because it actually is a gift not as easy to come by as one might think (partly due to society’s ‘self-focused’ mentality). It takes stepping outside oneself, and seeing life from another’s perspective. When given the platform, we tend to like to puff out our feathers, declare all our credentials, you know, convince the audience of why we deserve the stage. But the humble speakers who get alongside their audiences are the ones that more effectively captivate their listeners.

When I say “audience”, I use that term in the broadest sense possible. A speaker can talk to a few people, or hundreds of thousands. I believe the technique will hold true to any size gathering. I must admit, though awed by Paul, I do often find myself intimidated. Thinking thoughts such as “Oh I could never do that. I will leave that to the more ‘capable’ people.” Or “Gosh, after I learn enough, then I will start trying to witness.” But what if we all thought that way? We can get some basic groundwork from reading the methods leaders in the Bible used to share their faith (Conclusion you should draw…READ your Bible). I say, get out there with what you know. Practice makes ‘perfect’, right?

The method of identifying with your audience may make speeches more effective, but it is a truth that can also spill over and be integrated into building relationships. Just think what could happen if you kept this mindset when meeting new people and interacting with people you already knew. Instead of getting annoyed that someone doesn’t live life like you would, or doesn’t see this world through your lens, try stepping into their shoes for a moment. Take time to get to know the person, what experiences molded them into who they are today. I guarantee your eyes will be opened at how you view them. Their ‘annoying’ character traits might become something you are a bit more patient and compassionate about when you realize where this person has come from. It takes being selfless though. Stopping for a second to realize this world is not all about what you can get out of it, and that maybe, just maybe, all your views and life habits aren’t the “correct” ways, but rather just the familiar for you as an individual.

So that is the challenge for now. To open your mind and see others’ perspectives. I mean really see them. LISTEN to people. Hear where they are coming from. See what happens. You might be amazed at the platform this opens up to you for speaking the Good Word.