Did you know about something called “yes, and … ” thinking used in improvisational comedy and even in business? It is a rule of thumb that says that a participant in a conversation should accept what another participant has said (“yes”) and then expand on that line of thinking (“and”). It is a way of continuing a dialogue and letting the others in the conversation know that you are listening and paying attention.
It strikes me that “yes, and … ” thinking can be used very effectively in discussing Jesus with others. Say, for instance, that someone says to you, “Jesus is my Savior.” Then you could say in response, “Yes, and he is with you.” Or you could say, “Yes, and he gives you strength.” Or “Yes, and he will guide you.” The list could go on, of course. But the point is that using any number of additional attributes of Jesus in a “yes, and … ” response will lead to more discussion of and expansion on the role of Jesus in our lives. Jesus is not someone you can pigeon-hole in a box and compartmentalize. He permeates through every aspect of your life and thoughts and experiences. Just when you think he is limited to one thing, think again. As the Bible says, “He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him” (Colossians 1:15-16). Now that’s a lot of “yes, and … ” language! Let us continue to be “yes, and … ” people for Christ.