I find myself doing something that seems to be a natural response when I learn something new or when I sense a leading from God. I immediately share it with a family member or friend, post it on Facebook or send a Tweet about it. I do this because I’m excited, scared, need others opinions (or approval), or just need someone to lean on for support. While there is wisdom in inviting others to come alongside me, God is teaching me lately the value of “marinating” before sharing.
Let me share an analogy that I hope will give a picture of what I am saying. To marinate something you need a marinade. When you pour a marinade on a piece meat, the marinade penetrates through and tenderizes it while enhancing the flavor. It’s a process that takes time… but the value of the wait is incredible! Think of your “new information” like a piece of meat and God’s Word and your thoughts as a marinade. Just as with a real piece of meat, this new idea needs time to soak in God’s Word so He can “tenderize it” before sharing with others. I know this is a silly analogy but it is how my brain works. 🙂
Marinating allows me time to let new ideas settle in. It provides me time to allow God to penetrate the idea and season and tenderize it. The time to marinate gives God time to do a work in me as well. If you are anything like me you have a ton of conversations in your head analyzing various potential outcomes. Taking new ideas to God FIRST settles those crazy thoughts down. In this way, we master our thoughts—not the other way around.
“We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.” 2 Corinthians 10:5.
Marinating allows me to reflect on God’s truths and His character. Doing so provides enough “margin” for me to break down false thoughts and feelings that may lead me in a wrong direction.
Why bother? Why not just “let it go! With every unfiltered thought? Simply put: If I “let it go,” I lose intimacy with God and that is unacceptable. I want to be so pressed into God that I leave an ear print on His chest! God knows the secrets of the heart. (Psalms 44:21b) Since He knows me so well, shouldn’t He be the first one I share anything with?
I challenge you today… to take whatever you want to share with a friend… and take it to God first. I believe you will discover, as I am, that the process of marinating your thoughts with God…produces a more flavorful experience and promotes a deeper intimacy with Him.
Jodi, this is good advice. Sharing too soon can trap you into doing something that isn’t in God’s will just to save face.
Amen!
Good word Jodi! I love the marinade concept. As a pastor I feel like I am giving God the best when my notes are fully written out 2-3 weeks before hand and my message titles are scheduled several months in advace. It allows me time to refine and clarify my understanding and my communication. I’ve also got a few blog posts that I have written and waited to publish. My most successful post with around 75,000 views sat dormant for 8 months before I came back to edit and publish it.
Thanks Jonathan. Thanks for sharing your experience! It’s encouraging for sure.