TMI
Testimonies are opportunities for Christians to share the daily miracles God has done in our lives. Testimonies can also be our salvation stories, the events that came together that convinced us to choose Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior. The only trouble with some testimonies is that they offer Too Much Information (TMI) that is not necessarily edifying to the listener. Beth Moore in her study, Daniel-Lives of Integrity, Words of Prophecy, speaks only as she can, to this over-sharing on the part of Christians.
She talks about public testimony getting better with time, in the sense that when it's still fresh, it also may be too raw to discuss. "I have heard and unfortunately given some testimonies at times of such naked emotion that the recipients may have been more horrified than edified. At the very least, they were confused by the ramblings of a woman who had not yet dealt with the situation enough to get her own clarity from God. Let alone make sense of it to an audience...If you've heard premature testimonies, you might agree that a platform for testimony is sturdiest when built over a little time spent healing."
Beth goes on to write on the bottom of page 72, "We are wise to be particularly careful about sharing testimonies of a sexual nature (whether in the context of past sin or abuse) in groups of both men and women. Author Norman Grubb suggests using 'veiled language' in mixed company...the concept of veiled language creates a memorable image for appropriate times."
Lastly, on page 74, she notes, "Sharing too much can also have a strong tendency to glorify man rather than God. You see, the essence of giving glory is drawing attention. If our testimonies are so graphic that they steal the attention from the point (God's greatness), they cheat Him of glory, however unintentionally...If a detail will paint a graphic picture in permanent ink in the listener's head, we might need to leave it out. We want one thing permanently painted on the mind of our listener: the greatness of God." Amen! KT
She talks about public testimony getting better with time, in the sense that when it's still fresh, it also may be too raw to discuss. "I have heard and unfortunately given some testimonies at times of such naked emotion that the recipients may have been more horrified than edified. At the very least, they were confused by the ramblings of a woman who had not yet dealt with the situation enough to get her own clarity from God. Let alone make sense of it to an audience...If you've heard premature testimonies, you might agree that a platform for testimony is sturdiest when built over a little time spent healing."
Beth goes on to write on the bottom of page 72, "We are wise to be particularly careful about sharing testimonies of a sexual nature (whether in the context of past sin or abuse) in groups of both men and women. Author Norman Grubb suggests using 'veiled language' in mixed company...the concept of veiled language creates a memorable image for appropriate times."
Lastly, on page 74, she notes, "Sharing too much can also have a strong tendency to glorify man rather than God. You see, the essence of giving glory is drawing attention. If our testimonies are so graphic that they steal the attention from the point (God's greatness), they cheat Him of glory, however unintentionally...If a detail will paint a graphic picture in permanent ink in the listener's head, we might need to leave it out. We want one thing permanently painted on the mind of our listener: the greatness of God." Amen! KT
God's provision and attention to detail is a testimony to His goodness. Not only do we get the shade from the grapefruit tree on hot days, we get the beauty and aroma of its blossoms and the sweet, juicy flavor of its fruit which give sustenance to our bodies. May we be such a gift to others as a "thank you" to God for His great provision.
Daniel 4:2 It is my pleasure to tell you about the miraculous signs and wonders that the Most High God has performed for me.
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