7 Habits of Highly Effective Christians 6

Habit 6:  Selective response

Verse: “But Jesus remained silent and gave no answer.”  Mark 14:61

One of my favorite TV shows is NCIS starring Mark Harmon as Special Agent Leroy Jethro Gibbs. NCIS stands for Naval Criminal Investigative Service, a special branch of the U.S. Navy that investigates crimes involving naval personnel.

Gibbs is a man’s man. He has an inner compass that points towards integrity, justice, and perseverance. The quality I most admire in Gibbs is his ability to choose not to answer questions people ask him. Without flinching, Gibbs looks the questioner in the eyes – and says nothing. That’s a quality that’s harder to practice than it sounds.

Bible:  Throughout His ministry, Jesus was confronted with a myriad of needs to meet, people to reach, and critics to answer.  He used the principle of selective response in deciding if, when, and how He reacted to each situation:

• Jesus didn’t meet every need. One night the residents of Capernaum brought to Jesus all the sick and demon-possessed. “And Jesus healed many [emphasis added] who had various diseases” (Mark 1:33b). Notice that Jesus didn’t heal everyone. Another time He walked in a crowd pressing in from every side. When He realized that power had gone out from Him, He turned around and asked, “Who touched My clothes?” (Mark 5:30).  Jesus healed selectively in response to the woman’s faith.

• Jesus didn’t reach every person. Jesus traveled throughout the region for three years. He passed by people every day who were not reached with the gospel. As He passed through Jericho, a shorter man named Zacchaeus climbed a tree to get a better look.  “When Jesus reached the spot, He looked up and said to him, ‘Zacchaeus, come down immediately, I must stay at your house today” (Luke 19:5). Jesus reached out selectively.

• Jesus didn’t respond to every critic. Jesus was tried before the Caiaphas, Herod, and Pilate. In each trial Jesus selectively responded to the same question phrased in three different forms:  1) “Are You the Messiah?”  2) “Are You the King of the Jews?” 3) “Are You the Son of God?” To these questions, Jesus answered, “I AM.” Otherwise He remained silent. His selective response ensured that His trial focused solely on His divinity. Jesus responded selectively.

How did Jesus know whether or not to respond? His relationship with the Father was so close, that He knew His Father’s will, and responded accordingly. Furthermore, Jesus looked for evidence of faith before responding to people. He also looked for where God was at work, and then joined Him in it. Finally, He decided if, when, and how to respond to His enemies on His terms.

Application: The first step is to admit to yourself – and to God – that it’s humanly impossible for you to say “yes” to everyone and everything. Then decide that you will selectively respond to people and opportunities. Some suggestions:

• Maintain a close, personal and intimate relationship with God.
• Look for evidence of faith in the person making the request.
• Notice when and where God is at work, and join Him in it.
• Choose if, when and how you will respond to your critics.

Prayer
“Lord, Your example is so powerful. You are wise and discerning beyond measure.  Help me to practice selective response in my life, too.  Amen.”

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