Confused Communication

[!NOTE] Primary Scripture Reading: Genesis 11:1-9

I. Tower of Babel

A. After the flood as the earth was repopulated, many wanted to remain in the plain of Shinar in the Fertile Crescent.

B. The people decided to build a city and a tower of heaven.

C. Make a name for themselves Reach to heaven ( Babel, in the Akkadian tongue, means “gate of god” Keep themselves from being scattered

D. God was not pleased with the plan and confused their languages

E. The work stopped because people could not communicate with one another. The people then scattered away from Shinar to other parts of the world.

F. Look at observation God made

G. When the people are one and communicate effectively, they can accomplish great things together. When people do not communicate effectively and are not united, little is accomplished and sometimes great damage is done.

H. We must remember the important lesson of communication from Babel

II. Communication is essential for successful relationships

A. Family relationships

B. Mutual misunderstanding

C. Many movies and television shows get great laughs exploiting the confusion that often accompanies male-female communication. Men generally talk about work, hobbies, sporting events, and projects. Women generally talk about feelings, relationships, and experiences.

D. Husband and wives are often frustrated when they are both talking and think that the other person has no clue what they are trying to say.

E. It would be nice if husbands and wives had an interpreter to translate meaning between them. (Her: “I do not feel close to you.” Translator: “You need to take her out on a date—soon.”) The success of books like Men Are From Mars and Women Are From Venus demonstrate the realization that husbands and wives must find mutual understanding in order to find happiness.

F. If a couple cannot learn to communicate they will face many avoidable problems and unnecessary frustrations.

G. Relationships among brethren

H. Effective communication is essential for harmony in the church

I. We often associate with one another several times a week We work together on classes, church growth, edification, etc.

J. However, we generally do not have regular extensive communication with one another outside of services.

K. We have obligations at work, home, etc. that demand our time. We may have some close friends at church but it would be impossible to have very close relationships with everyone We do rally around those who need help whether we have a close personal relationship with them or not: they are family. Some problems among brethren arise from a close association in which there are misunderstandings.

L. If we want peace, we must maintain open communications with our brethren and quickly resolve differences that separate us.

M. Matthew 18:15-17 – Go to your brother: confront and resolve Matthew 5:23-24 – Reconcile before bringing offering to God

N. Relationships with neighbors, co-workers, extended family, etc. depend on good communications.

III. What makes communication effective

A. Try to understand

B. Proverbs 11:12 – Despise neighbor (spouse) is foolish

C. 1 Corinthians 13:7 – Assume the best in what other people say

D. We must never be too quick to make judgments about motives There is no harm, rather happiness, if you are mistaken! Many problems arise when we look for meanings and insinuations and only hear what we want or expect to hear.

E. Listen

F. James 1:19-20 – Swift to hear, slow to speak Proverbs 10:19 – multitude of words gets one into trouble

G. Sometimes we do not listen carefully, our minds are distracted, and we draw incorrect conclusions or miss important information.

H. It is frustrating to teach a class on a subject and later hear a person in the class ask, “What about (the same subject)?” Sometimes we may agree to something unwittingly while distracted

I. Keep your temper under control

J. Proverbs 14:29 – slow to anger Proverbs 15:18 – Allay contention If you do not keep your temper in control you will not listen clearly to what the other person is saying—looking for fuel for the fire.

K. Be kind

L. Do not provoke

M. Proverbs 10:12 – stir up hatred or promote love1 Corinthian 13:5 – love is not provoked nor does it provoke Proverbs 11:29 – trouble the house and reap a whirlwind Romans 12:18 – live peaceably with all men

N. Do not insult

O. Some will turn to insults when their pride has been hurt or they are in danger of humiliation—both matters of pride Proverbs 12:18 – words like piercing sword Those who belittle their spouses or brethren damage communication

P. In all things we must respect ourselves and others and please God

IV. Conclusion: When people are one and communicate effectively, they can accomplish great things together. When people do not communicate effectively and are not united, little is accomplished and sometimes great damage is done.

V. Confused Communications