Click here to return to Blog Post Intro
Samuel and the Importance of Clear Communication
From 1 Samuel, we see that Samuel was “Mr. Communication.” Everyone listened to him. To learn what kind of leader he was, check out the following examples:
- He spoke words of revelation (7:3). His communication contained divine revelation–insights the people lacked.
- He spoke words of inspiration (10:3-6). His communication inspired Saul to overcome his fears and step out.
- He spoke words of exhortation (10:24). His communication encouraged the people to act and follow Saul as their king.
- He spoke words of affirmation (10:24). His communication supported and endorsed Saul publicly.
- He spoke words of information (10:25). His communication overflowed with good content, edifying and teaching others.
- He spoke words of declaration (12:20-25). His communication gave clear direction to the people and hope for their future.
How Did He Do It?
Each time Samuel spoke, he:
- Simplified the message. He spoke forthrightly, clearly, and simply. No one wondered what he meant.
- Saw the person. He knew his audience and always empathized with others.
- Showed the truth. He demonstrated credibility with his passion and his life. He lived what he said.
- Sought the response. He always spoke with a purpose. When finished, he urged people to obey God.
Adam Failed to Connect with Eve
In Genesis 3, we see a leader who failed in an area crucial to all leaders: communication. By failing to communicate effectively with his wife, Adam botched his role as a spiritual leader. So why didn’t Adam clearly communicate God’s instructions to Eve? Why the breakdown in communications?
- He ignored some details in the message he was supposed to communicate.
- He allowed Eve’s voice to influence him more than God’s voice.
- He failed to hold himself accountable for his communication.
- He forgot what God said about the consequences of disobedience.
- He did. To take responsibility for the results of his faulty communication.
We should all learn from Adam’s mistake. Are you a good communicator? Do you pay close attention to what God tells you? Do you give appropriate attention to detail? When you lead, do you make sure your audience gets the message? And do you take responsibility for what God has entrusted to you?
Dr. J. Robert Clinton conducted a formal study of Christian leaders and discovered that, without exception, all of them possessed word gifts: teaching, prophecy, evangelism, preaching, words of knowledge or wisdom, and exhortation. More than anything else, they used their gifts of communication to lead their people.
Proverbs 18:21 tells us, “Death and life are in the power of the tongue.”
How are you using your gifts, talents, and skills in communication? Are they giving life to others…or not?
