In a Short Time (Bulletin Article for January 27)

Several of our young people are writing speeches for Lads to Leaders, which is quickly approaching. They are challenged to stay on topic and on time. In fact, the judges must deduct points if the speaker goes over (or under) the allotted time.

The time limit is about 5 minutes (it varies depending on the age group). That’s it. Our students have just that short amount of time to say what they have prepared, and it must “say a lot.” They have to pack those few minutes with information that will motivate the listeners.

One of the reasons for the short time limit is that there are hundreds of speakers at the Nashville convention. If each speaker were given 10 or 20 minutes, the speech competition would take all day (or longer). Another reason these speeches must be short, though, is that it is good practice for life.

How? Because we do not often have thirty minutes or an hour to speak with others about important matters; or, at least, we don’t have that much time consecutively. We often must say what needs to be said in just a few moments. As the song asks, “How are we using God’s golden moments?” (“Swiftly We’re Turning,” emphasis added).

Peter taught each Christian, “Have no fear of them, nor be troubled, but in your hearts regard Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect” (First Peter 3:14-16). He did not say that we have to give a “long” defense! Sometimes our best answers will be short and to the point.

Solomon wrote, “A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in a setting of silver” (Proverbs 25:11). The Hebrew word dabar, translated “word” in that passage, means just what we might think: a word, our speech, or a saying (www.blueletterbible.org). We should choose each word carefully in each situation of our lives, including when we are making a defense of our hope.

There will be times when we must give “extended” answers, but, often, we will only have opportunity to give brief answers. Are we using those “golden moments” properly? Let’s say as much as can be said, in a clear manner, in those short moments we are given.