Drawing From the Well Within
Drawing From the Well Within 11/2023
“The purposes of a person’s heart are deep waters, but one who has insight draws them out,” (Proverbs 20:5)
A circular stone wall and rope-wrapped axis with dangling bucket are the characteristics of a common well. But peer downward and its black depths hold mystery. How far down is the water? What kind of water is it: cool - saline - bitter - refreshing? To know for sure, you must drop the bucket and draw some out. Mystery will give way to understanding.
Likewise, every person we meet has the obvious characteristics of nose, eyes, arms, etc. But deep within their heart lies mystery. Character qualities about people are not sitting on the surface but are stored deep within. What motivates them? What are their values? What’s her agenda? Spiritually speaking, is he living according to the flesh or governed by the Spirit?
So, Solomon the sage said, “The purposes of a person’s heart are deep waters, but one who has insight draws them out.” (Prov 20:5) To know the heart issues of another the wise one draws them out. You must drop the bucket to, as they say in Texas, “sweet talk the water out of the well.” How does one do this? What brings another person’s inner intentions to the surface? By asking questions: good, perceptive open-ended questions that don’t tee up yes-no answers but gently peel the onion and probe beneath the surface. Good leaders ask good questions.
What is the greatest lesson you have ever learned? What are you learning now? How can I add value to your life? How would you define evil? Do you believe in God? How has failure shaped your life? Or for a true intellectual and ethical assessment, are you a Chicago Bear fan?
Our Lord thoroughly enjoyed asking penetrating questions that would draw out the deep purposes of a person’s heart: “Do you believe I am able to do this?” (Matt 9:28) “What do you think Simon?” (Matt 17:25) “Who do the crowds say I am?” (Luke 9:18). “Does this offend you?” (Jn 6:61) “Do you love me?” (Jn 21:15) Jesus wasn’t satisfied with appearances. He wanted to know the heart.
How good are you at dropping the bucket? Are you mastering the art of asking questions? Can you get past small talk to explore heart talk? Or are you caught up in the tendency to only declare yourself instead of drawing others out? “The greatest problem of communication is the illusion that it has been accomplished.“ Accomplish it. Lower the bucket into the well again and again. Then fill it one time with the gospel of the Living Water of Jesus as their Savior from sin!
Asking better questions with you,
Pastor Tim (1-210-837-3934)
Abiding Savior Lutheran Church 458 Turkey Trot Rd. Killeen, TX 76542
10am Sunday Worship / www.abidingsaviortx.com