Everyone has a basic worldview and some idea about the purpose of life. But in today's world, it is often difficult to begin a conversation about spiritual things. Why? Could it be that many people fail to recognize their need?
The "Perfect-Broken Diagram" is an effective way to engage a person in a meaningful discussion that helps reveal spiritual needs. That's because the concept of difficulty is universally felt. No matter who you are talking with, you will "connect" by talking about solving a problem, dealing with a broken relationship or agreeing that something does not seem fair in life. Once this happens, you can suggest that there are basically two ways to look at life's problems, and you can introduce the diagram...
Instructions for presenting the "Perfect-Broken Diagram"--
This diagram is helpful to people of many cultures. It only takes about 5-8 minutes to present and to get a response. Here's how to use it...
- Draw a box on top and leave it empty. Then draw another box below the first one and say that "it seems everything in life is somehow broken or damaged and needs help." You could mention broken friendships, problems between countries, natural disasters - earthquakes, tsunamis, etc. Then write the word BROKEN in this box.
- Say that "what every person wants at the deepest level is for everything to be perfect." Write the word PERFECT in the top box that was previously empty. (If you want to give an example of our yearning for perfection you could mention the many signs that say ‘World Peace Now.') Say, "We all want to fix things and go back to PERFECT-that feels like where we belong."
- Draw a very large ‘T"-shape below the second box. On the left side write MAN'S PLAN FOR REPAIR.
- Write in MERIT below that and explain that most people feel that the best way toward repair--and thus toward perfection-- is to do more good than bad. You could mention that those who think this way may hope that each generation will start better than the last one, but when you look at society, you don't see it working.
- Draw an arrow downward from the word "merit" and write DUTY, explaining that the concept of merit leads one to a sense of duty. You can illustrate by saying things like, "I have to do this"..."I need to work harder and harder"... "I visit my grandparents once a week, but maybe I should visit them every day"... "I never know when I have done enough."
- Draw another arrow downward and write GUILT/FEAR. Mention that "Duty always leads to fear or guilt because I never know when I have done enough, and I always feel I should do more. I want to do good, but at some level I am driven by guilt or fear."
- Immediately below, draw a circle and explain that the circle summarizes the life of a person who follows the merit-duty-fear/guilt pattern. Write the words, "WORRY, DOUBT, LACKING HOPE, LACKING PURPOSE" in the circle.
- Now, go to the top right side of the T and write in GOD'S PLAN FOR REPAIR.
- Immediately below, write FORGIVEN and explain that humanity started in a perfect state but then entered into brokenness. Add that God said we can't fix our mess, but He will forgive us for breaking things. Since His forgiveness is 100%, that removes the guilt. Things are still broken, but I am no longer guilty.
- Draw an arrow downward and write FREE. Mention that because I am completely forgiven, I am now free from guilt!
- Draw another arrow downward and note that freedom leads to LOVE. Explain that because I am now free of guilt, I can give pure love to others--even though I am still broken.
- Draw a circle immediately below and explain that the words you are writing within it are products of this new kind of life-INNER PEACE, SECURITY, HOPE, PURPOSE.
- Ask your friend which side most interests him or her...and why. Talk for a few more minutes and then end the conversation. Mention that if he or she is interested, you could get together for again and further discuss the meaning and means of God's forgiveness.
- Then, for that next meeting, use a tool that explains the gospel in simple terms, like "Knowing God Personally" or "The Four Spiritual Laws."