The Perfect Time

by Robin Tyler

While teaching a group of young children, there was a delay between activities so we sat down to play the ‘Telephone Game’. The game is played by something being whispered into someone’s ear and then it is repeated into the next persons ear, and goes down the line until it makes it to the last person. The first and last person compare what is said to see if the transfer of words made it correctly to the last person. As we played our game each child was whispering along what they were hearing. It had gotten to the next to the last child, and that child did not completely understand how to play the game having never played it before. When it was whispered to them, they blurted out the words instead of passing it to the last child who was anxiously waiting. The last child’s face broke and the tears tumbled down her cheeks. She did not understand why the chain of communication had been broken before it was told to her. All I could do was give her a hug and tell her I was sorry. I tried to explain the other child had never played the game before, and did not understand how it was played. My explanation may have helped a little, but her heart was still broken.

The Telephone Game has been around for a long time. Growing up it was not a game I wanted to participate in as I was scared I might be the one to break the chain of communication by not listening well or not repeating the words well. The play of the game is a good example of a ‘chain reaction’, as words are passed from one person to the next, to the next, to the next, and so on. Care has to be taken when receiving the words to listen well and hear what is being said to try and avoid breaking the chain. Care has to also be taken when speaking the words as they are passed along to the next person to try again not to break the chain.

Making disciples is the perfect time to create a chain reaction and play the ‘Telephone Game’! Knowledge of God’s Word has been given to us. It may seem like we have only a little knowledge. That is ok. A little knowledge is all God needs. Little is much when God is in it.

That little knowledge given back to Him telling others about Him and He will multiply it. All God wants is our heart. A heart that will listen and a heart that will share what it has heard. The goal is to transfer God’s Word a little further down the line creating a chain reaction.

The ‘Telephone Game’ as you watch it in play generates much excitement. You can see the anticipation on waiting faces as their turn comes to hear what is being said. You can see their excitement as the words are spoken in their ear. You can see their excitement as they transfer the words to the next person, creating a chain reaction.

Discipleship as it develops under the power of the Spirit generates much excitement. You can see inquisitiveness and anticipation on faces as they wait for the truth of the gospel to be told. You can see their excitement as the Spirit reveals the truth of God’s Word as they hear it. You can see their excitement as they grow in faith and transfer the words to the next person, creating the chain reaction.

God of the universe and galaxies wants us to join Him. God of the mountains and valleys wants us to join Him. God of the roses and thorns wants us to join Him. God of the deserts and oceans wants us to join Him. All God wants from us is our heart. A heart to listen and a heart to speak. God will take the little bit we have, when we offer it back to Him, and multiply it.

Infants to senior adults are waiting with much anticipation and excitement for someone to share what they have heard. Now is the perfect time for a great chain reaction to begin! Making disciples is the perfect time to play the ‘Telephone Game’!

1 In the harvest field now ripened
There’s a work for all to do.
Hark! the voice of God is calling.
To the harvest calling you. [Refrain]

2 Does the place you’re called to labor
Seem too small and little known?
It is great if God is in it,
And He’ll not forget His own. [Refrain]

3 Are you laid aside from service,
Body worn from toil and care?
You can still be in the battle,
In the sacred place of prayer. [Refrain]

3 When the conflict here is ended,
And our race on earth is run,
He will say, to all the faithful,
"Welcome home, my child; well done." [Refrain]

[Refrain] Little is much when God is in it,
Labor not for wealth or fame.
There’s a crown, and you can win it
If you go in Jesus’ name.