Common Ground

What do you, as a Christian, have in common with your preChristian neighbors? If you answered, very little, then look again. It is our common understanding that is the beginning place for persuasive conversation. If you can find no topic of agreement, no shared experience, no shared interests with those around you, then you will have little influence. If you are looking for those connecting points, then you have a chance to be heard.

You see this in Scripture. When Jesus meets the woman at the well, he strikes up a conversation. This shouldn't be an easy conversation. There are huge racial and religious tensions that exist between them, but Jesus doesn't start there. Instead, he listens, learns how she sees the world, and discovers her felt need. He doesn't deny her felt need, but he uses it as a starting place to reveal her deeper need and then offers himself as the solution to her lackluster life.

When Paul is in Athens, he is incensed by the populations slavery to idols. He decides to confront the error and enters into a public debate. Where does he start? With common ground. He knows that if he stands up and immediately blasts everyone for their ignorance, they will just turn away and stop listening. Respect is an important part of persuasion.

Paul begins with a compliment. He has observed the people he is addressing. He knows their religious fears as well as their quest for truth. He has noticed an altar to an unknown god. Paul uses this as an opportunity to describe the one true God. Then just before their eyes glaze over, he quotes one of their own teachers. The crowd is engaged again. Paul knows that he has entered into a debate by two rival schools of philosophy. Now everyone is listening closely. Whose side is Paul on? Then Paul quotes a teacher from the opposing camp.

Paul has taken the time to study each school's teaching, not to find their errors - that was too easy - but to find what they had right. Paul knew that persuasion begins with what we have in common rather than in our differences. God has communicated truth throughout the world. We have to find those places of agreement and affirm them if we hope to lead people to truth.

When I share the gospel, I begin with listening. I want to know how the person I'm talking to sees the world and how they communicate. I want to know what truth God has planted in their life. If I can't find something they believe about which I can say, "Yes, I think you right there", then I am unlikely to get an open and thoughtful hearing.

Yes, Jesus had to jar the religious of his day by pointing out their shortcomings and their differences with God. Jesus didn't run from a fight, but he also didn't look for them. He began with inspiration and understanding, especially when dealing with those far from God. Jesus' harsh words were reserved for the religious leaders, but only after he had tried a softer approach. He took the time to explain himself to Nicodemus. He talked over supper with Pharisees. Jesus never started from a position of pride. He knew who he was and didn't have to prove anything to anyone, but he chose to humble himself and relate to them in a way that helped them to listen and respond. He started with them like he starts with us all. He entered their world, to share their experiences, to find common ground, and then, to lead them to truth. His desire is to continue that work through us if we will let him.