It’s only natural to want to share the new insights we’ve received with others. And certainly there’s no value in holding good news to ourselves when it can start blessing the lives of others as well. But we must take wisdom with us and consider the best time to share our revelations.
Joseph was given dreams about things to happen in the future. And in his zeal he shared these dreams with his brothers, who in turn sold him into slavery. The dreams still came true and God used it all to accomplish his larger purposes. All the same, it’s clear from a human perspective that his brothers were not yet ready to receive his dreams at first.
And this might often be true when we gain new insights as well.
For instance, we might realize a new approach for our marriage, a particular growth area for our wife or kids, or a blind spot that our friend is missing in his life. And this might be a true issue that benefits them and not just ourselves. At the same time, we must consider if they’re in a position to receive what we have to offer.
With Christ, we may realize we have much more we want to say, but they’re simply not able to bear it now. And so we wisely wait for a more opportune time.
This doesn’t mean we can’t say anything, but it is learning to be measured in what we share – only giving them milk until they’re ready for solid food.
We risk blowing up our relationships when we share too much, too soon. And the issue is simply one of timing, not the truthfulness or value of what we are attempting to share.
In the end, hold tightly to the insights God has given you. And learn the wisdom of timing. Not every new insight needs to be immediately shared.
Photo by alireza nazari on Unsplash
