There are many things that I've heard before. Particularly the kinds of things that preachers say. Even the kinds of things that theological lecturers say. And, dare I say it, things that principals of theological colleges say.
Am I the only one who switches off when I hear something that I've heard before?
I think in the context of theological education there's a problem with my attitude. I'm pretty sure that there's a reason that Bruce keeps banging on about the same things and it's not because he's getting old and has forgotten that he's just said the same thing 5 minutes ago.
What ends up happening is that by the time I get really frustrated enough with Bruce for repeating the same things so many times over, I actually start to think about it. And I can tell that he's not repeating it so that I know it. It's because he wants me to be convicted by it. So convinced, that it will shape my life and ministry in ways that will keep me faithful and protect God's people.
In the times that I get to that point, it's a little easier to listen. Even with a fuzzy head.