I remember back in my Organization Communication course in grad school where my lecturer tried to explain the concept of miscommunication by using this funny example of the Eclipse.

Memo from CEO to Manager:

Today at 11 o’clock there will be a total eclipse of the sun. This is when the sun disappears behind the moon for two minutes. As this is something that cannot be seen every day, time will be allowed for employees to view the eclipse in the parking lot. Staff should meet in the lot at ten to eleven, when I deliver a short speech introducing the eclipse, and giving some background information. Safety goggles will be made available at a small cost.

Memo from Manager to Department Head:

Today at ten to eleven, all staff should meet in the car park. This will be followed by a total eclipse of the sun, which will appear for two minutes. For a moderate cost, this will be made safe with goggles. The CEO will deliver a short speech beforehand to give us all some information. This is not something that can be seen everyday.

Memo from Department Head to Floor Manager:

The CEO today will deliver a short speech to make the sun disappear for two minutes in the form of an eclipse. This is something that cannot be seen everyday, so staff will meet in the car park at ten or eleven.This will be safe, if you pay a moderate cost.

Memo from Floor Manager to Supervisor:

Ten or eleven staff are to go to the car park, where the CEO will eclipse the sun for two minutes. This doesn’t happen everyday. It will be safe, and as usual it will cost you.

Memo from Supervisor to Staff:

Some staff will go to the car park to see the CEO disappear. It is a pity this doesn’t happen everyday.

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As you can see from that story, the final message the staff received was not the same as what the CEO sent out. I was taught that you haven’t really communicated until the receiver has understood your message. Miscommunication is a common problem in communication. I mean, just look at how fake news spreads on social media 🤦🏽‍♀️

I’m obviously not here to give you lectures on communication, I’m here to show you how the Devil can use miscommunication to his advantage. He asked Eve; “Did God really say you must not eat the fruit from ANY of the trees in the garden?”

“Of course we may eat fruit from the trees in the garden,” the woman replied. “It’s only the fruit from the tree in the middle of the garden that we are not allowed to eat. God said, ‘You must not eat it or even touch it; if you do, you will die.’” -(Gen 3:1-3)

Now, Eve was presented in the creation story after God had given command concerning the tree.

“But the Lord God warned him, “You may freely eat the fruit of every tree in the garden— except the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. If you eat its fruit, you are sure to die.” -(Gen 2:16-17)

Funny thing is, the serpent that asked her what she heard, knew the original message God gave. It’s possible some form of miscommunication happened when Adam told Eve God’s warning concerning the tree. But in today’s age and time, miscommunication shouldn’t be an excuse. Not when there are so many ways to fact check and verify information. Most importantly, now we have the Holy Spirit to reveal to us what God is really saying.

So when doubts creep in and you’re asked, ‘Did He really say He loves you?’ ‘Did He really say He won’t leave you nor forsake you?’ You would know how then to answer. You know this was the same tactic the devil used when tempting Jesus in the wilderness. He questioned God’s word, but thankfully Jesus responded with the true word and won that battle.

We also can do same! Pay attention to the word and know God for yourself. Build a direct relationship with Him, not waiting until someone tells you what God said concerning you.

It’s my desire that you live victoriously!

Love,

M.❤️