The wrong end of the stick…
November 2009
The term ‘getting the wrong end of the stick' comes from the printing world, before a time when word processors, computers, even typewriters, were used to share the written word. The printer would hold in his hand a piece of wood similar in shape to the letter holders used in Scrabble, and in it would stack the metal letters, or type, in reverse order, so that the finished print would be the right way round. If someone got the ‘wrong end' of the stick, the letters would be put in a different order and would be printed incorrectly, the words meaning something entirely different.
Isn't it amazing how people can get the ‘wrong end of the stick' and end up hearing something we've said in a completely different way? The words that come out are heard in a way in which they were not intended. Sometimes this is due to the fact that the person hearing us is over-sensitive or is facing difficulties of their own. At other times people only hear what they want to hear in order to force their own agenda.
Jesus faced the same issues throughout his earthly ministry, people assuming or expecting one thing and being bitterly disappointed at what they actually heard or received - getting the wrong end of the stick; Peter asked, ‘How many times should I forgive someone who sins against me?'...the rich young ruler asked ‘What must I do to inherit eternal life?'...James and John wanted seats in heaven alongside Jesus...Jesus' disciples saw him dying on a cross and thought what fools they'd been to follow him...All of these people, and many more besides, got the wrong end of the stick, they'd heard - but not properly.
As Christians we must be very careful and consider what comes out of our mouths if people are to avoid getting the wrong end of the stick. We must be clear in our communications.
When others know that we are Christians and worship at church they will assume a number of things. That we believe in and follow the way of Jesus. That we care about them and their needs. That we are able to forgive and don't hold grudges against our fellow Christians. That we do not judge, negatively criticise or undermine others. That we want to make a positive difference to our community and our world. That we live a different way to the way of a selfish world. That we enjoy sharing in worship and social life together.
All of us have much work to do in order to avoid others getting the wrong end of the stick about we Christians in Hatfield. All of us need to consider what comes out of our mouths and how that will be heard by others. All of us need to listen a little more carefully and not jump to conclusions and make assumptions that were not intended.
Our task as Christians is to try and make a ‘ htrae no nevaeh elttil' - or if we turn the letters in the stick around, a ‘little heaven on earth'.
With every blessing, Paul
© Copyright Hatfield Church / Tim Sweed 2008