Go Practice

Anyone who's known me for a decent amount of time has figured out that I am a magician. Yes, I just used word "magician." Notice that I'm comfortable using the word "magician" as a Christian, mainly because I believe that our modern concept of that is very different than if I was to use the word "sorcerer" or "wizard." What I'm trying to say is that I do not practice or dabble in the dark arts, but simply enjoy the use of illusion to create a sense of wonder for those who witness what I do. So put down your pitchforks. Please. They make me uncomfortable.

Having been a magician for the past 8 years or so, I've seen a lot of different performers and tricks, and I'll be the first to tell you that a technical artist is one thing, while a performance artist is another thing entirely. Having specialized in card/close-up magic over the years, I've seen a lot of YouTube performances that have excellently portrayed the correct mechanics of a move or sleight. However, there's a reason that some magicians never get their work out into the real world, and that is because they never learned what it meant to perform. Yes, they may have learned the technical details of a trick to the tee, but they were never able to present that trick in a memorable or entertaining way to real people.

I believe that presentation is vastly more important than mechanics.

"Walk in wisdom toward outsiders, making the best use of the time. Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person." (Colossians 4)

Seasoned with salt, eh? So what you're telling me is that, when having conversations with unbelievers, (outsiders) I should try to make it interesting!?

Whoa.

That's kinda different, no? For those of you who have a talent that you perform in front of an audience, do you not work hard to make your presentation excellent? Why then do we not do the same in our faith? We've learned the mechanics and details of Christianity to the tee, but for some reason, when we get to "perform" the gospel, there's more defense than offense. More mumbling than less boldness. More stumbling than confidence.

Make your presentation of the gospel interesting! Be crazy! Goof off and be real! Granted, I want to make it very clear that the power and substance of the gospel does not rest in our presentation, (Check out 1 Cor. 2) but we have to start doing a better job in portraying the wonder and power that is inherent in the words of God.

In my journey of learning magic tricks, I heard once that one hour of performing for an audience is worth ten hours of practice at home. So, what am I saying?

Get off your computer, walk out the door, and go practice.

Posted in: