Definition: Tact

Today I want to talk about a particular word which is something that seems to be missing in a lot of churches these days.  I will use the definition afforded us in the Webster’s 1828 for no other reason than it represents an English a bit more pure than the American English spoken today:

Tact

 

 

TACT, n. [L. tactus, from tango, [for tago,] to touch.]1. Touch; feeling; formerly, the stroke in beating time in music.

2. Peculiar skill or faculty; nice perception or discernment. 

 I like the particular emphasis on the root “touch.”  In Scripture, the word “touch” seems to be used several different ways. 

Job 1:11 is the account of Job’s life when Satan is reasoning with God and saying, “Put forth thine hand now, and touch all that he hath, and he will curse thee to thy face.”  Obviously, if we know the story, Satan is not suggesting that God touch him gently or with healing or with blessing!  Satan is asking God to touch him in a less desirable way, in a way that would remove blessings!  He wants God to deal harshly with Job.

Mark 10:13 uses the word in a much different way: “And they brought young children to Him, that He should touch them: and His disciples rebuked those that brought them.” Here we have parents bringing their children to Christ so that He can touch them.  Do you think they wanted a harsh touch from Christ?  Jesus was touching them to bless them.  Here we have a glimpse at the “softer” side of Christ!  Jesus took the time out of His busy day to stop and be with children and this upset, or at least confused, the disciples.  There are many verses dealing with Christ touching others with the touch of healing and here are a few of them:

• Matthew 8:3
• Matthew 8:15
• Matthew 9:29
• Matthew 17:7
• Matthew 20:34

And those are just some of the references in the first Gospel! 

As we live in this world with other people, we must realize that we touch others, whether we intend to or not.  Do you remember Dennis Rodman?  He did not consider himself a role model, did he?  What he had a difficult time understanding is that he WAS a role model, whether he wanted to be or not.  We touch those around us whether we want to or not, it’s just the way it is.  As we touch others, in what way are we touching others?  Do we have a good impact on others?  Or are we leaving the world either untouched, or worse, a little more poluted because of the way we impact others?

I am also particlularly interested in the emphasis on the word “discernment” in the definition of “tact.”  There were times when God and His people had to deal harshly with those around them and there were times when they needed to deal softly and tenderly with others.  If we are to have tact, we are not only to touch those around us, but we must also learn to have discernment in the WAY we touch others!  We need to have the boldness to show the truth and the error around us but we also need to learn the right time, place, and manner which would best impact the hearer!  I’m afraid that my fellow Baptists (sorry) often have a hard time with this one!  I think the easy part is getting the message right, but this area of discernment is a bit more difficult.  It’s easy to see the truth of a situation and make the mistake of coming down so hard on someone that they are turned away.  “But I told them the truth, what they needed to hear!”  That may be true but was the message REALLY communicated?  Here are some things to remember as we are learning how to use tact when impacting others:

1. “A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger.” Proverbs 15:1  I know that the excitement of a fight is tempting!  However, a soft demeanor when disagreeing with someone helps greatly as we are making our arguement.  Wrath, or anger, is something that hinders during a rational conversation, at least for limited humans.
2. Before opening the mouth, think about whether you are in the right place!  Yes, the place can make a huge difference in how the message is received!  For instince, is there wisdom in attending a church which you disagree with and taking the opportunity to share with all those around you what axactly it is that you disagree with in their church or doctrine?  I have actually heard of this happening!  It is foolish to go to a place where we know people disagree with you on certain topics and actually act suprised!  Going to a place “looking for a fight” will not, I repeat, will NOT impact people possitively concerning your message, whatever it is.
3. Consider the timing!  Ecc. 3:1-8   At the funeral for a lost relative of a Christian brother or sister is NOT the time to talk about the lost oportunities they may or may not have had to witness to the individual!  I’m not actually sure if this happens but this is a good example. 
4. Considering the “who” will help greatly to discern the way in which to share a message!  Think about who they are and where they are in their thought process and their lives!

I’m sure there are many other things I could have shared here!  Just remember, tact will put you mile ahead as you seek share a message and impact others!  As usual, comments are open to tactfully share your thoughts!

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