Now that we’ve gathered together let us make some mindless small talk and share some superficial chitchat.
“How are you?” “Fine, and you?” “Fine, thanks.” “How about the weather we have been having?” “Yes, it is something.” “Hurrah for the local sports team!” “Did you hear about the latest office or community gossip?”
Around that point, I get stumped because I am not very good at making small talk. I have run out of things to say and have to repeat myself. Where do we go from here?
I confess to a certain degree of frustration over chitchat. I know that it is one of the oils that allow conversations to get going and lubricates the wheels of social intercourse. Yet, by and large, it is pretty meaningless, trivial stuff.
I find it particularly frustrating when dealing with other Christians.
Do we not have more significant things to share? “How is God working in your life?” “What real struggles (or joys) are you facing?” “What is God teaching you?” “What ministries and missions are you supporting these days and why?” “What did God share with you during your prayer time today?”
There are all kinds of exciting, meaty topics we can discuss, things that matter for all eternity. I don’t suggest for a moment that every conversation must be a deep theological debate filled with the latest and greatest Christianese.
We don’t have to be stern, stoic, or religious when conversing. Our discussions can still be light but filling, and there can be plenty of laughter.
There are many areas where we can encourage one another, grow together, and bear each other’s burdens. Yet, when you walk into many churches or visit with many Christians, it takes a Herculean effort to get past anything completely superficial.
The Apostle Paul had some strong words for the infant-like nature of the church in Corinth.
But I, brothers, could not address you as spiritual people, but as people of the flesh, as infants in Christ. I fed you with milk, not solid food, for you were not ready for it. And even now you are not yet ready, or you are still of the flesh. For while there is jealousy and strife among you, are you not of the flesh and behaving only in a human way? 1 Corinthians 3:1-3 ESV
We may not quarrel when we stick to small talk, but we certainly act worldly. The world has nothing more profound to offer. We need to stretch and grow up a bit.
There are indeed places for quick, superficial conversations. It is true that it is not wise to bear the innermost secrets of our hearts in an indiscriminate matter. Yet, there is so much more that we can share with others.
We serve an awesome God who is hard at work in our lives and the lives of others. Let us learn to talk about that.
Kevin