Ralph Waldo Emerson lovingly visited the grave of his young wife every day for two years after her death. And though his was one of the great intellects of his day, ordinary people learned to love him for his sentiment and honesty. One New Englander said, "We are a simple folk here, but we understand Mr. Emerson because he speaks our language." And he did speak their language. His lofty ideas and deep intellect were never wasted through arrogance or conceit.
In his letter to young Timothy, Paul insisted that Timothy always speak to the hearts of the people. He said some false teachers who had come into the church delighted in using high-sounding words and impressing everyone with their knowledge. Timothy was never to do this. Rather, his life and lips were to overflow with love, a good conscience, and genuine faith.
Each of us has a specific work to do for our Lord. Perhaps yours is to teach or occasionally preach. Most likely it is just to share Christ with friends one-to-one. It is vital that we remember Paul's exhortation to speak to people's hearts. We do this by being honest and open with them. We need not impress them with our great knowledge; we need only touch them with our love.
“The aim of our charge is love that issues from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith.”
1 Timothy 1:5 ESV
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