RAISINS IN THE OATMEAL: THE ART OF ILLUSTRATING SERMONS
Mark R. Littleton
April 1, 1983
Anyone who must preach two different sermons on Sunday and a third on Wednesday, plus teach, give children's sermons, and offer "a few words" here, there, and everywhere, knows the power of good illustrations. They bring fresh air to musty monologues. They grab the heart as well as the head. They help apply truth to life. That's why I collect, make up, steal, borrow, and beg them from everyone. My three-by-five card file of illustrations is so cherished I keep a picture of it in my wallet to show friends. "Get a load of this baby," I say. "Beautiful tan finish, full of laughter and babble, always ready to raise a smile. Everything from anecdotes to zoology. Of course, there are the occasional messes and 2 A.M. feedings, but its all worth it." Even more crucial than keeping the box full is the problem of use: how do I match the right illustration with the right situation? Too often we hear a good joke and instantly begin sniffing for a place to tell it. Any time will do, so long as it occurs in next Sunday's sermon. We fall into the pit of depending more on our stories to hold the listener than the power of God's Word and Spirit. At that point, our illustrations block rather than bring understanding. After all, there is a difference between the almost right illustration and the right one. As Mark Twain said, "The difference between the right word and the almost right word is the difference between lightning and the lightning bug." Getting the Right Illustration
Three questions are useful in determining an illustration's efficiency: Does my point need an illustration? I'm the type who's terrified of being boring, so I've learned to think in analogies and anecdotes. Sometimes I overdo it. If the people understand my point and don't ...
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