Excellent article Boyd. I would just add a little commentary for those of us who may have roots in more traditional evangelical teachings with the "Romans road" and so forth.
I submit that if we are being who we should be and our relationship or "dance" if you will with God the Father, Son, and Spirit is healthy and active then there is no reason to "force" conversations to be "spiritual". We will quite naturally speak of that which is important to us as will those we are talking with if we have a listening spirit and attitude. It's hard to argue with personal experience and most folks will listen even if they don't think it's their "cup of tea". Don't try to force it - leave the quickening to God the Spirit.
On the other hand - if we know in our hearts that we've been a bit on the deaf side ourselves when it comes to our own conversations and relationship with God then it can be downright counterproductive for us to try to force the issue and "evangelize" in order to "check it off the list".
Thats right CBG. You have to listen before you speak, and walk the walk, not just talk the talk. You have to exercise that ear and learn how to listen to the spirit. That is my challenge right now. Then you need to do what it says, which is sometimes, hard to understand. Just relax, and let the spirit of God do the work.
