If Words matter, then where do they come from?

Have you ever had that moment where you speak words into existence and immediately wish you could get them back? Words are very powerful. Have you ever thought “Where did those words come from?” Before long, we begin to realize that’s just it…it’s our thoughts, that turn into those words that we wish we could somehow shove back into our mouths. James would argue that if we are in a relationship with Jesus we have been called to be ambassadors or witnesses. Certainly our actions are on display, but the words we speak have the power to bring life or death. James would push forward that we cannot overlook the responsibility of preaching the Gospel (James 3). Are we, as disciples, truly living and speaking in a manner that brings honor and glory to Christ? Both James and Paul should establish that believing in Jesus would determine the course of actions we take in our lives. Paul would press further into the idea that we have to take every thought captive (2 Cor. 10:5). Does heart regeneration happen on its own? My philosophy is that once a person comes to a cognitive level of understanding that Jesus sacrificed his life for their sin, then that will lead them to heart regeneration. Paul tells us that true transformation happens with the renewing of your mind (Romans 12:2).

Fruit Trees?

James uses an illustration of fruit to further his point about the importance and impact of our words (James 3). When I was growing up, I loved playing in the backyard. Along the fence line we had apple trees and almost in the center of the yard we had two plum trees. It brings back fond memories of snacking on fruit while I played in the backyard. But here’s the deal, I never went to the apple tree and expected to get a plum. I never went to the plum tree expecting an apple. I believe James is challenging us to be consistent in our words and actions. If we claim to be Christ followers, then our words need to match our actions. So in every situation I have to ask myself, “What kind of fruit am I producing?” Jesus would say that a good tree cannot produce bad fruit and a bad tree cannot produce good fruit (Matt. 7:17-20).

Words Lived Out?

I am a habitual self-evaluator. As an ambassador of Christ, I believe it is important that we ask ourselves two questions on a ritualistic basis. First, what’s going into my mind? Second, what are others saying about the fruit (words) I am speaking?

I know we have all heard the cliché, “Garbage in garbage out,” but it happens to be a philosophy that is very applicable. If we adhere to Paul’s teaching, it is imperative to be spending time in the word of God. We cannot expect to display the qualities of Christ if we do not know what those qualities are. Galatians 5:22-23 explains love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control are those qualities. Christ displayed these qualities and as an ambassador we too must display those same qualities. I think these fruits make an appearance or lack of an appearance in our everyday lives in the way we talk and live life.

Second, ask friends to give you honest feedback about the words you use and the life you are leading. Hopefully, you have a supporting cast that wants to help you grow and challenges you to be more like Christ. I know, for me, I have true friends and mentors I turn to that can give me an honest evaluation if I am being an example of Christ. Being vulnerable to take helpful criticism is extremely difficult and possibly not what our current culture is teaching us. But again, are we going to listen to culture or are we  willing to hold true to the scripture that has been communicated to us?

 

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Don’t Judge the Book by the Cover

As I read in the book of James, James presented the fact that God does not have favorites. James gives us an incredible example of how Jesus calls us to respond as believers. Now, based on the example in James, he points out that we are quick to make judgments based off of physical appearances. The rich, wealthy, and well dressed man is given the royal treatment and is escorted to the front pew for what would be considered the best seat. And the poor tattered dressed man is told to stand in the back, where no one could see him, or he could sit by the attendants feet. James would address the issue of partiality/favoritism that was prevalent in their culture.  (I would hate to tell James that not much has changed in our current culture.) So, let me share an example. I have multiple bibles I use for my faith journey. First, I have a bible that is navy blue leather bound. It was the bible I started my faith journey with many years ago. It has several blemishes on the cover and doesn’t look so new any more. Second, I have a black leather bound bible that I used in seminary. It is covered in notes and is falling apart. Romans to Revelation is no longer bound to the spine like the rest of the book. Third, I have a tan leather bible that I use daily. The leather cover over the spine is gone. The edges are almost non-existent and the pages are covered with my thoughts and notes from my  daily pursuit of Jesus. Now, based on my story and details, most people might say that I have a favorite bible. Well, maybe, but each bible tells a story about me and each had/has its use. I would argue I do not have a favorite bible.

Everyone has a Story to Tell

Each bible tells the story of where I was or am currently in my faith journey.  People are like those bibles. Everyone is on a journey and they have a story to tell. Part of the journey is to listen and encourage people on their journey. God is not a cookie cutter God. We are his creation. Look around, all the plants and animals are not the same, so why should we be the same? I have a faith journey and God has blessed me with gifts, talents and abilities. If God has done that for me, then I have to know that He has done that for other people as well. God sees no distinction in humanity because of His Son’s blood. God doesn’t see through the lens of rich or poor, black or white, but I believe God sees lost or saved. God extends grace and mercy to all people. Scripture says that before the creation of the world God chose us to be his sons and daughters. That is the only qualification we need to receive grace and mercy. Hopefully we begin to see the picture that God’s unconditional love, that he showed through the person of Jesus, is also the example we should follow as believers.

Demonstrating God’s Love 

Luke, in his gospel account, shares the words of Jesus with Theophilus. Luke explains a story Jesus shared with his disciples about how to treat people. There was a man who was robbed and left for dead in a ditch. A priest walking down the street and notices the man and his condition. Upon a closer look, he moves to the other side of the street and walks past the man in need. As the Levite notices the man, he too, moves to the other side of the street and leaves the man is his deathly condition. Now enters the Samaritan into the story. This guy was someone that is not supposed to be liked and if we think our current day race issues are overwhelming we should study the racism between the Jews and Samaritans. So, after some investigation, the Samaritan puts the badly beaten man on his donkey and heads into town. He buys a night’s stay at the local motel and begins to care for the victim he found on the roadside. He cleans his wounds, pays for an extra night’s stay and tells the inn keeper if there is any other expenditures he would be back to pay them. Who is this guy and what an example? Jesus challenges his disciple to see people how He sees people. Humanity would see all sorts of excuses, but  I think we can begin to see that loving Jesus means that we are going to have to love others.

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