Comments on: Try Not To Step Across the Line

By: sheriyates

sheriyates — Sat, 07 Mar 2009 14:33:05 +0000

needed this advice a few days ago.

By: snustorm

snustorm — Mon, 02 Mar 2009 14:18:01 +0000

I think this is a great conversation…I’ve asked the same questions about how we as pastor’s have to vulnerable and honest to accountability, while being careful not to hurt the people who our stories are about or those we minister to.

By: Donald

Donald — Mon, 02 Mar 2009 05:52:12 +0000

I have said too much in the past and paid the price. I appreciate your profound words. They are words we can all live by.

By: Roye Glass

Roye Glass — Sun, 01 Mar 2009 17:44:21 +0000

Sharing things that are “too fresh”! Great advice.

I’m the chief of speaking when it’s too fresh. I did it again this week while talking with a friend… When others don’t hear or see what you are talking about it can crush your spirit.

By: Bobby Gruenewald

Bobby Gruenewald — Sat, 28 Feb 2009 23:17:52 +0000

Travis,

Craig is busy preaching this weekend, but I think I can answer your comment. I’m pretty sure Craig has not watched the show you are talking about.

We don’t sell messages, but instead all of the messages available for free to other pastors and church leaders.

By: Travis A

Travis A — Sat, 28 Feb 2009 16:39:33 +0000

Craig
Wanted to know if you saw the Wretched TV(Todd Friel) show where he uses your sermon with another preacher who is word for word repeating a story about VBS etc. Could you address the authenticity of this and do you sell your sermons? What is IT really all about???

By: Heady

Heady — Sat, 28 Feb 2009 02:21:03 +0000

I like this Craig: “Everything you say must be true. But everything that is true doesn’t need to be said.” I’m storing this into the file of “use later” and I will give credit.

By: Steve Cuss

Steve Cuss — Fri, 27 Feb 2009 19:54:50 +0000

I have said to much many times. I find it happens the most when I’ve not spent enough preparation time during the week. I now try to always seek permission before sharing. Thanks Craig, for bringing this topic.

By: Henrik Steen

Henrik Steen — Fri, 27 Feb 2009 15:49:09 +0000

Hi Jacob,

Yes, you should call her, I have to say. Especially if you shared anything in the sermon that could identify her. That is at least what I would feel obligated to do. Blessings!

By: Jacob Kesling

Jacob Kesling — Fri, 27 Feb 2009 05:34:57 +0000

Ok, this is a little too late! I just preached in “big church” and I am a youth pastor. I used my sister-in-law for an illustration (which is not too bad since she is 14 hours away) and I felt just fine doing so. However, the sermon is posted on youtube and now on facebook. SO, I am waiting for Carmen (my sister-in-law) to call me. Should I call her and tell her? It is about her divorce. It was not bad, but she may take it the wrong way.

By: Gale holt

Gale holt — Fri, 27 Feb 2009 04:52:01 +0000

Oh, Have I ever!

By: Adam Kuntz

Adam Kuntz — Fri, 27 Feb 2009 04:37:03 +0000

of course ive said too much…and when i realized i already said too much, i want to try to fix it in the same setting which requires more talking and i start to dig myself in a deeper hole… then i get the awkward stare that says…dude, shut up. thats when i get the hint and just walk away… lol

By: karen

karen — Fri, 27 Feb 2009 04:19:06 +0000

Have I said too much? Yes. Ouch. Thanks.

By: Todd

Todd — Thu, 26 Feb 2009 23:16:47 +0000

Not sharing “something too fresh” is terrific advice, Craig. I found this out during a message, when I tried to use an illustration of something that had recently happened. It had stung and I thought I was OK with it so I used it in an illustration. When I did, my mind began rehashing the entire episode and I got upset. I held it together fine, but I knew my spirit was not alright yet with it. So, it was a good barometer. I spent more time letting God heal that hurt with the end result being a total absence of hurt or pain now. It forced me to deal with it and totally release it. Great post Craig and thanks!

By: Topics about Christian life and Bible readings » Archive » Try Not To Step Across the Line - LifeChurch.tv : swerve

Thu, 26 Feb 2009 21:08:06 +0000

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By: jim

jim — Thu, 26 Feb 2009 20:12:00 +0000

I have looked down from the platform at my wife and knew that I blew it by telling too much in a story. I have worked hard not to make that mistake again because of the consequences of that mistake.

By: princessjes

princessjes — Thu, 26 Feb 2009 17:23:05 +0000

It is VERY important to guard what you say, even in the name of “prayer requests”! Good advice!

By: will hapeman

will hapeman — Thu, 26 Feb 2009 16:30:17 +0000

As a preacher I ask this question weekly, sometimes I fear too weakly.

By: Liz

Liz — Thu, 26 Feb 2009 15:55:23 +0000

I often find that it is so easy for me to get caught up in “gossip” with the justification that I am “telling the truth.” In reality, the truth that I am telling could still be very hurtful to that person if they found out I was telling someone else. This post is a huge help for me as I am very consciously trying to development the core value of integrity.

By: Ryan

Ryan — Thu, 26 Feb 2009 15:43:41 +0000

Great wisdom here… As I mentioned early this week, when in doubt, always proceed with caution. There needs to be an element of authenticity without being sloppy.
I’ve found that sometimes, even if I don’t think it makes someone look bad, they may have a completely different outlook on the situation.
The other things to consider is once something is out there, we can’t take it back. When we have said too much, we must be authentic in our apology and seek to make things right with that person, as difficult as it may be. I’ve been there…