When in Athens...

When Jamie and I first came to Columbus to find an apartment, we were both struck with the same thought – these people are crazy! It was toward the end of August and the town was painted scarlet and gray. Everywhere.  There was no place that we went that didn’t ooze Buckeye football.  We were coming from Iowa City, another place that loves football, but we weren’t prepared for what we found in Columbus.  It was like another planet.

It didn’t take long to realize that were going to have to learn the language, the customs, and really have an understanding of this strange new culture.  (Note: It was close to this time that I renounced all ties to the Hawkeyes in favor of Ohio St.  Jamie has not made that jump yet, but I refuse to give up on her.)  This was absolutely necessary for us to be able to function here. Football is important here, and while it may or may not be your favorite thing, you have a better chance to connect with more people and the community if you can figure out how to navigate within this parallel universe.

Paul discovered the same thing in Acts 17 when he went to Athens.  He noticed the idols that lined the streets, the store fronts, the homes, and the synagogues. He read about them. Studied them. He thought about what they meant to the people in that community.  So when he began having conversations with people all over town, he knew how to communicate in a way that would make sense to the locals.  He went to a meeting of the Aeropagus and was able to use what he knew of their culture and their idols, including the “UNKNOWN GOD,” to speak intelligently and powerfully about the story of Jesus.  Because of what Paul offered them, not just Jesus but a commitment to understand them, they invited him back to speak again, and some even put their faith in Jesus and went with Paul.

            If we really want to communicate effectively with people, have influence, and ask them to follow where we lead then we MUST get better at learning to listen and try to understand where they are coming from.  You might have the best message or product in the world (like Paul did), but if you just go in there with a script and preconceived ideas about who you’re trying to reach, you will never be as effective as you could be. 

What have you learned about your environment that has helped you to communicate and have influence?