Pyramid or Pole? -- Exercise Patience

January 17, 2008

By Gary Rogers

What type of communicator are you?

Some people like to share a life story in answer to the simplest question. They start at the beginning and unfold the details with careful explanation and complete description, like a novelist painting a picture with words. The story looks like a pyramid with all the details at the base building to the final point. At the conclusion -- eventually -- you'll know the answer to the question, "How was your day?"

On the other hand there are the news flash communicators. They don't build a story. They don't paint a picture. They give you the time, place and event with few words. Rather than a pyramid, this conversation looks like a pole with a flag. The flag is the main topic and the pole is the straight line of information getting to the flag.

When a "pyramid" and a "pole" communicate, there must be understanding on both sides. The pyramid needs to understand that the pole really doesn't see all the details as being vital. The pole needs to understand the pyramid is describing and building and drawing an important picture they want to share.

The Lord wants us to have good communication skills (especially when a pyramid and pole are married). Many times what is needed most is patience.

"Through patience a ruler can be persuaded, and a gentle tongue can break a bone" (Proverbs 25:15, NIV).

-- Gary Rogers is senior pastor of First Assembly of God in Coweta, Okla.