WORDS MEAN SOMETHING I find it fascinating, yet sad, how in our postmodern world we have changed the meaning of words to suit our own intentions. Now, Im not talking about the normal evolution of words, which takes place on about an eight year cycle, where definitions change, but the flippant use of words despite what their definitions are. I am a loving man. I like to show others that I love them by TELLING them that I do, and letting my actions define my words. Now, please understand, if your name is not Lisa Collins-Thompson then I do not love you like I love her! And if your name isnt Mary Elizabeth Thompson then I do not love you like my Mom! However, if I tell you that I love you then you can be certain that it does NOT mean that I ONLY like you. No! It means that I have an affection for you that goes deeper than just appreciating your outside. I love your insides as well! :) Herein lies the problem; people say things they do not mean, and later, when called up to give an account of their words, they change the very definition of the word! THAT IS NOT HOW IT WORKS PEOPLE! Whats more, when we say things in ANGER we expect others, usually those we love, to understand that we didnt mean it, dont we? There is a passage of scripture that I love that defines the problem here. Listen to what the Apostle James says about words... James 3:1-12 1Dear brothers and sisters, not many of you should become teachers in the church, for we who teach will be judged more strictly. 2Indeed, we all make many mistakes. For if we could control our tongues, we would be perfect and could also control ourselves in every other way. 3We can make a large horse go wherever we want by means of a small bit in its mouth. 4And a small rudder makes a huge ship turn wherever the pilot chooses to go, even though the winds are strong. 5In the same way, the tongue is a small thing that makes grand speeches. But a tiny spark can set a great forest on fire. 6And the tongue is a flame of fire. It is a whole world of wickedness, corrupting your entire body. It can set your whole life on fire, for it is set on fire by hell itself. 7People can tame all kinds of animals, birds, reptiles, and fish, 8but no one can tame the tongue. It is restless and evil, full of deadly poison. 9Sometimes it praises our Lord and Father, and sometimes it curses those who have been made in the image of God. 10And so blessing and cursing come pouring out of the same mouth. Surely, my brothers and sisters, this is not right! 11Does a spring of water bubble out with both fresh water and bitter water? 12Does a fig tree produce olives, or a grapevine produce figs? No, and you can’t draw fresh water from a salty spring. You see, words are important! When two people stand at an alter and say the phrase, until DEATH do us part, and for BETTER OR WORSE, they do not realize that this is exactly what they have vowed before God and witnesses. But think about the alternative? What would you think if your soon to be spouse was only willing to say, until I have had enough, or only for the better, how would that go over with you? NOT well! It is the same in our everyday conversations. We say one thing, and when it becomes convenient we change the definitions. Oh, thats not what I meant...drives me NUTS!!! OR! I was just angry; bonkers I tell ya! It drives me insane (proverbial speaking!) In short, we need to teach our children, and remind ourselves that words are powerful tools! Both to build up and to destroy. So let your words be true, accurate, thoughtful, and always gracious! In this way you WILL be seen as a person of truthful integrity. Colossians 4:6 Let your conversation be gracious and attractive so that you will have the right response for everyone.
Posted on: Thu, 30 Oct 2014 12:43:30 +0000
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