One of the leading magazines read by charismatic Christians has the following article title prominently displayed on this month's cover - "Keep your mind closed!" What a terrible exhortation. Sadly, many Believers will follow that advice to the letter, closing their minds and thus missing the many opportunities to learn the truth, to grow in the knowledge of Christ, and to be effective ambassadors of the Kingdom of God here on earth. The writer was predictable in the development of the article including such zingers as "once Jesus says it, that settles it." He asserts, "concerning spiritual issues, you'd better have a closed mind; you want to have rigidly fixed perceptions."
Obviously the author believes sincerely in what he writes, but he is a poor student of Christianity and history. What if Martin Luther had closed his mind in the 16th century? After all, the Church had a fixed doctrine about what the Bible said about being a Christian; a well established tradition, supported by legions of churchmen in Rome. But Luther was willing to question, to reason - to listen to God and heard the whisper of the Spirit bringing him understanding about the the work and message of Christ's Gospel. From his inspired mind came the ringing affirmation of the ancient truth - "The just will live by faith." He gave us the Reformation which is a cornerstone of the philosophy that shaped our modern Western world.
To be sure, there are ideas that come and go that we eventually reject, but not because we have walled off our minds to ALL thought! The Christian who is filled with the Holy Spirit should have a keen and questioning mind that is full of the wisdom of God. That mind is capable of hearing ideas, evaluating them, processing them with the Word's wisdom and the Spirit's discernment, and answering error with truth! Where do we get the thought that Christians should be frightened of inquiry or of reason? Is not God the Source of Knowledge? Is not Christ, Truth personified?
From the days of the Revolution, American Christianity has had a broad streak of anti-intellectualism. This development reached new heights near the end of the 19th century, as revivalism swept the country and Pentecostal fervor broke out in cities around the nation. In reaction to churches and pastors that were ready to discard the Scripture and be swept up by the new religion of science, lay preachers with a new Spirit experience, went out to convince millions that they should open their hearts and close their minds. Their sermons were white-hot with the Spirit's fiery emotion, but often barren of deep thought and careful reflection. The result was that cults grew like weeds and heresies sprang up everywhere, like the tares among the wheat.
The truth is that God has given us both a heart and a mind! We need to be capable of great passion, of being swept up by the Spirit into times of joy and moved by the Spirit to weep over our sins that break the heart of the Father. And, we must be capable of thinking, knowing what we believe, and why we believe it!
Peter exhorted the Believers - "...in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect." (1 Peter 3:15, NIV) That word, "heart" is not used just as we might use it, as denoting the center of emotion. Rather he uses the word in the sense that from the core, the very center of our being - emotionally and intellectually - Christ must be Lord, so that we are not deceived by other gods. Don't be taken in by those who foolishly set aside the gift of thought and reason. Don't join the gullible millions whose hearts are full but whose minds are empty.
Instead, take up the challenge of the Scripture to think clearly, with a mind that is disciplined in the things of God, illuminated by the Holy Spirit, and instructed by the revelation of Holy Scripture. Meditate on this call to intellectual engagement with the lies of this world.
"We use God’s mighty weapons, not mere worldly weapons, to knock down the Devil’s strongholds. With these weapons we break down every proud argument that keeps people from knowing God. With these weapons we conquer their rebellious ideas, and we teach them to obey Christ." (2 Corinthians 10:4-5, NLT)
Friday, June 23, 2006
Thursday, June 22, 2006
Abuse of power
When we read a line like the title of this TFTD, most of us probably think about corrupt cops or someone like Saddam Hussein. But, think again! Power over another person, be it as a parent, as a pastor, as a supervisor - is a dangerous thing. Because of the sinful nature that you and I inherited from Adam, power is corrosive to character. In too many situations to enumerate, we see how quickly influence is turned to serve ego and to enrich the powerful at the expense of those over whom they wield influence. Lord Acton, a British historian of a century ago observed : Power tends to corrupt. Absolute power corrupts absolutely!
God is deeply concerned with the abuse of power and His Word is clear about the immorality of using the trust of leadership and/or influence for selfish gain! Amos, the shepherd from Tekoa, thundered against ancient Israel for her sins. Primary among them? Abuse of Power! He roared: "The Lord said: I will punish Israel for countless crimes, and I won’t change my mind. They sell honest people for money, and the needy are sold for the price of sandals. They smear the poor in the dirt and push aside those who are helpless. .... They lie down beside altars on clothes taken as security for loans. And they drink wine in my temple, wine bought with the money they received from fines. " (Amos 2:6-8, CEV)
Ah, friend, as I read those lines they make me want to weep. This is the description of our time! The 'have's' of our nation are too often forgetful of the responsibilities that come with their privileges. Those in power, though perhaps not on the 'take' as we might think of corruption - too often readily use their position to enrich the rich and to give favor to those who can return favor. The poor and the powerless are forgotten, or thought to be simply the victims of their own stupidity and deserving of their fate!
Pride says, "I climbed to the top of the heap, so let me enjoy the benefits that come with this position." As Amos continues in his sermon, he reminds the corrupt leaders of Israel that they had once been slaves, people without a country or power. They were not rich and powerful because they were smarter or deserving. They had experienced the grace of God! "And yes, I’m the One who delivered you from Egypt, led you safely through the wilderness for forty years And then handed you the country of the Amorites like a piece of cake on a platter." (Amos 2:10, The Message) The reasoning is: If you are who you are because of grace, then you have an obligation to use your advantages to serve those who are without.
Last week the news media reported that Bill Gates, the richest man in the world, would be stepping down from the head of Microsoft, the company he founded in his garage 30 or so years ago. What was he going to do? Build a villa in the Caribbean and take life easy? No. Find another venture to increase his store of wealth? No, again. Gates is going to devote his life to his foundation, to finding ways to improve the lives of the poorest people in Africa! His plan is to give away his $billions over the next two decades! What a beautiful thing it is to see that kind of compassionate care. When a powerful person remains filled with humility, he blesses his world by using his position to ennoble others.
Are you a 'giver' or a 'taker?'
In positions of influence and/or power, is your aim to attract praise and benefits, to bless others in the Name of Jesus Christ?
We need not be the President or a billionaire to bless others. Here's what Jesus said about it. Meditate on His words.
“... the King will say to those on his right, ‘Enter, you who are blessed by my Father! Take what’s coming to you in this kingdom. It’s been ready for you since the world’s foundation. And here’s why: I was hungry and you fed me, I was thirsty and you gave me a drink, I was homeless and you gave me a room, I was shivering and you gave me clothes, I was sick and you stopped to visit, I was in prison and you came to me.’
“Then those.... are going to say, ‘Master, what are you talking about? When did we ever see you hungry and feed you, thirsty and give you a drink? And when did we ever see you sick or in prison and come to you?’
Then the King will say, ‘I’m telling the solemn truth: Whenever you did one of these things to someone overlooked or ignored, that was me—you did it to me.’"
(Matthew 25:34-40, The Message)
God is deeply concerned with the abuse of power and His Word is clear about the immorality of using the trust of leadership and/or influence for selfish gain! Amos, the shepherd from Tekoa, thundered against ancient Israel for her sins. Primary among them? Abuse of Power! He roared: "The Lord said: I will punish Israel for countless crimes, and I won’t change my mind. They sell honest people for money, and the needy are sold for the price of sandals. They smear the poor in the dirt and push aside those who are helpless. .... They lie down beside altars on clothes taken as security for loans. And they drink wine in my temple, wine bought with the money they received from fines. " (Amos 2:6-8, CEV)
Ah, friend, as I read those lines they make me want to weep. This is the description of our time! The 'have's' of our nation are too often forgetful of the responsibilities that come with their privileges. Those in power, though perhaps not on the 'take' as we might think of corruption - too often readily use their position to enrich the rich and to give favor to those who can return favor. The poor and the powerless are forgotten, or thought to be simply the victims of their own stupidity and deserving of their fate!
Pride says, "I climbed to the top of the heap, so let me enjoy the benefits that come with this position." As Amos continues in his sermon, he reminds the corrupt leaders of Israel that they had once been slaves, people without a country or power. They were not rich and powerful because they were smarter or deserving. They had experienced the grace of God! "And yes, I’m the One who delivered you from Egypt, led you safely through the wilderness for forty years And then handed you the country of the Amorites like a piece of cake on a platter." (Amos 2:10, The Message) The reasoning is: If you are who you are because of grace, then you have an obligation to use your advantages to serve those who are without.
Last week the news media reported that Bill Gates, the richest man in the world, would be stepping down from the head of Microsoft, the company he founded in his garage 30 or so years ago. What was he going to do? Build a villa in the Caribbean and take life easy? No. Find another venture to increase his store of wealth? No, again. Gates is going to devote his life to his foundation, to finding ways to improve the lives of the poorest people in Africa! His plan is to give away his $billions over the next two decades! What a beautiful thing it is to see that kind of compassionate care. When a powerful person remains filled with humility, he blesses his world by using his position to ennoble others.
Are you a 'giver' or a 'taker?'
In positions of influence and/or power, is your aim to attract praise and benefits, to bless others in the Name of Jesus Christ?
We need not be the President or a billionaire to bless others. Here's what Jesus said about it. Meditate on His words.
“... the King will say to those on his right, ‘Enter, you who are blessed by my Father! Take what’s coming to you in this kingdom. It’s been ready for you since the world’s foundation. And here’s why: I was hungry and you fed me, I was thirsty and you gave me a drink, I was homeless and you gave me a room, I was shivering and you gave me clothes, I was sick and you stopped to visit, I was in prison and you came to me.’
“Then those.... are going to say, ‘Master, what are you talking about? When did we ever see you hungry and feed you, thirsty and give you a drink? And when did we ever see you sick or in prison and come to you?’
Then the King will say, ‘I’m telling the solemn truth: Whenever you did one of these things to someone overlooked or ignored, that was me—you did it to me.’"
(Matthew 25:34-40, The Message)
Wednesday, June 21, 2006
Empathy - treating others like you want to be treated
The air in the room was thick with tension. Each side had their defense up, ready to take the advantage at any sign of weakness. And there I sat, in the middle! The issues were real; there was no doubt about that in my mind, but much of the division came from an inability and/or unwillingness of the 'combatants' to see the other guy's point of view. I'm not so naive as to believe that all conflict results from failure to see the other guy's point of view. I think I understand something of the point of view of the militant members of Islam who seek to destroy America, but I don't extend them any comfort in their hatred of the West. They are wrong and misguided in their belief that the best way to advance Islam is through terrorism! I know that many family feuds, many marriage break-ups, many church splits are completely unnecessary; resulting from people shouting so loudly at each other, that they cannot hear what the other side is saying!
Have you ever become so convinced that you know what the other person's position is you just stopping communicating? Yep! I've done it, too. Too quickly we jump to the conclusion without finishing the conversation. As the other person realizes that we are no longer listening, they become more defensive, more insistent. Do we re-connect? Not usually. The increased intensity only causes us to tighten the hatches of our mind and emotions. And, a simple misunderstanding becomes a big fight!
Jesus gives us this wisdom about human relationships -
“Do for others what you would like them to do for you." (Matthew 7:12, NLT)
The Message translation reads - "Ask yourself what you want people to do for you, then grab the initiative and do it for them."
We learned that Golden Rule in Sunday School and forgot it by Monday! Use your imagination for a moment. When you're full of anger - what do you want most from people? Understanding, tolerance, patience... are a few words that come to my mind! The last thing an angry man needs or wants is someone saying, "Calm down! Sit down! Shut up!" That only fuels the fire, doesn't it? Now imagine saying to that angry person, "Tell me about that. What's the problem?" A different outcome becomes possible, doesn't it? Some of you are reading that and thinking - "Pastor, you've lost touch with the real world. That's not how people react." Oh, I know that! I fail to extend that kind of acceptance to others all too frequently myself. But, if we are filled with the Spirit of God, we can change and become catalysts of change! Don't you believe that?
The ability to empathize, to decentralize 'self' in a way that allows for us to step into the other guy's shoes, comes from the Spirit's work. Challenged by the truth, we need FAITH to own it. If we are faithless, we will think - "I've never done that before. I cannot change, for I am who I am." Faith will lead us to pray something like this - "God, I believe that is Your way, that the Word is true. And, Lord I see that my life doesn't align to that truth. I believe You can change me. Work deeply in me." If you really want to be like Jesus, hang on 'cause the ride will be bumpy, often unpleasant, as He prunes away those characteristics of your life that resist His will.
I challenge you to make this truth practical.
Have you ever become so convinced that you know what the other person's position is you just stopping communicating? Yep! I've done it, too. Too quickly we jump to the conclusion without finishing the conversation. As the other person realizes that we are no longer listening, they become more defensive, more insistent. Do we re-connect? Not usually. The increased intensity only causes us to tighten the hatches of our mind and emotions. And, a simple misunderstanding becomes a big fight!
Jesus gives us this wisdom about human relationships -
“Do for others what you would like them to do for you." (Matthew 7:12, NLT)
The Message translation reads - "Ask yourself what you want people to do for you, then grab the initiative and do it for them."
We learned that Golden Rule in Sunday School and forgot it by Monday! Use your imagination for a moment. When you're full of anger - what do you want most from people? Understanding, tolerance, patience... are a few words that come to my mind! The last thing an angry man needs or wants is someone saying, "Calm down! Sit down! Shut up!" That only fuels the fire, doesn't it? Now imagine saying to that angry person, "Tell me about that. What's the problem?" A different outcome becomes possible, doesn't it? Some of you are reading that and thinking - "Pastor, you've lost touch with the real world. That's not how people react." Oh, I know that! I fail to extend that kind of acceptance to others all too frequently myself. But, if we are filled with the Spirit of God, we can change and become catalysts of change! Don't you believe that?
The ability to empathize, to decentralize 'self' in a way that allows for us to step into the other guy's shoes, comes from the Spirit's work. Challenged by the truth, we need FAITH to own it. If we are faithless, we will think - "I've never done that before. I cannot change, for I am who I am." Faith will lead us to pray something like this - "God, I believe that is Your way, that the Word is true. And, Lord I see that my life doesn't align to that truth. I believe You can change me. Work deeply in me." If you really want to be like Jesus, hang on 'cause the ride will be bumpy, often unpleasant, as He prunes away those characteristics of your life that resist His will.
I challenge you to make this truth practical.
- Think of a specific person whose ways you simply do not understand, with whom you consistently differ. Now, pray that Christ will teach you (no, don't pray that they are changed!) to love them, to show genuine empathy. Invite the Spirit to bring about transformation, even at the cost of dying to self.
Tuesday, June 20, 2006
The world changes - we respond
Occasionally, perhaps I should write, frequently, the pace of change in my life nearly overwhelms me. I'm not talking about the normal stuff that everybody deals with in the process of growing older. We call have to deal with aching joints, a little more difficulty getting a good night's sleep, and other physical ailments not suitable for discussion in this TFTD. (smile!) The changes to which I refer are the changes in the world around us. Jerry and Karen are missionaries that spent the last four years in ministry on a remote island in the Pacific. It's not like they lived completely out of touch. They had email and they made trips to Australia. But when they settled back here in the States for this year of deputational work with their supporting churches, they were astonished at the amount of change - social and technological - that had occurred just since 2002! Those of us who live with it, don't really notice it because it happens all around us.
While I'm happy about the amazing amount of information available at the click of a button on the Internet, at the ease with which I can pay my bills online, and my TIVO; I'm trying to come to grips with things like - new attitudes towards venerable institutions like the Church, with philosophical shifts that regard 'truth' as a construct of one's experience rather than a revelation from God, with growing contempt for social responsibility and the rule of law. Perhaps I am just becoming an old geezer in love with yesterday, but I openly admit that because of these changes, I do not believe my grandchildren will live in a safer, better, or more prosperous world than the one in which I live. This isn't just about a new form of music or a different style of hair - the things that differentiated my generation. My children have grown up in a new world!
For example, a high value of our American society is autonomy. We've always valued our personal freedom, but in the past, we recognized that freedom is not limitless. Our freedom was expressed within boundaries - marriage, the rule of laws, the need for self-sacrifice for the greater good. The young adult who has grown up into the world of 2006, believes that he should be free to choose his own road without those boundaries. He believes he should be able to have sex with whomever he chooses, that he should enjoy nearly limitless civil rights, that the law should adapt to his needs, that he has the right to create 'god' in his own image! The results of this radical shift in values is becoming evident in things like a soaring birthrate of children born outside of a stable home, children who are much more likely to live in poverty and to engage in criminal behavior as they mature. Our schools are finding their task more difficult, in part, because of lack of discipline that comes with disrespect for rules and authority. That disrespect is fueled by the radical ideas of freedom held by the parents of today's students.
Sharing the gospel of Christ is more and more challenging. Where once I could make a reasonable case for the truth of Christ and His message, today that approach is seen by many as quaint. People don't think that they need to trust Jesus as Lord because He is the Truth. The bottom line for many is instead, 'how does He make me feel?' Doctrine, even for many Christians, is irrelevant. What is important is being happy, feeling comforted, 'good vibrations.'
So, how do we respond to these kinds of change?
Some retreat into yesterday's traditions. They form little communities of like-minded people who enshrine the rites and rituals that bring them comfort. They increasingly lose touch with the world, but they are comforted.
Others become militant, angry at the world. They choose a cause and focus on it as a way of protesting change and blocking out their own sense of displacement. Still others join the party! They see the changes as inevitable and irresistible.
I believe we must see ourselves as those who are commissioned by Christ to 'go into all the world and preach the Good News of the Kingdom of God.' This demands that we work to understand that world, that we are engaged with it, while not becoming compromised by it. Our hearts must be full of passion for God, fired by the Spirit. Our minds must be sharp, honed by the Word of God, with the insight given by the Spirit. Jesus said of His followers - "You are the light of the world... let your light shine...so others will praise your Father in heaven."
While I'm happy about the amazing amount of information available at the click of a button on the Internet, at the ease with which I can pay my bills online, and my TIVO; I'm trying to come to grips with things like - new attitudes towards venerable institutions like the Church, with philosophical shifts that regard 'truth' as a construct of one's experience rather than a revelation from God, with growing contempt for social responsibility and the rule of law. Perhaps I am just becoming an old geezer in love with yesterday, but I openly admit that because of these changes, I do not believe my grandchildren will live in a safer, better, or more prosperous world than the one in which I live. This isn't just about a new form of music or a different style of hair - the things that differentiated my generation. My children have grown up in a new world!
For example, a high value of our American society is autonomy. We've always valued our personal freedom, but in the past, we recognized that freedom is not limitless. Our freedom was expressed within boundaries - marriage, the rule of laws, the need for self-sacrifice for the greater good. The young adult who has grown up into the world of 2006, believes that he should be free to choose his own road without those boundaries. He believes he should be able to have sex with whomever he chooses, that he should enjoy nearly limitless civil rights, that the law should adapt to his needs, that he has the right to create 'god' in his own image! The results of this radical shift in values is becoming evident in things like a soaring birthrate of children born outside of a stable home, children who are much more likely to live in poverty and to engage in criminal behavior as they mature. Our schools are finding their task more difficult, in part, because of lack of discipline that comes with disrespect for rules and authority. That disrespect is fueled by the radical ideas of freedom held by the parents of today's students.
Sharing the gospel of Christ is more and more challenging. Where once I could make a reasonable case for the truth of Christ and His message, today that approach is seen by many as quaint. People don't think that they need to trust Jesus as Lord because He is the Truth. The bottom line for many is instead, 'how does He make me feel?' Doctrine, even for many Christians, is irrelevant. What is important is being happy, feeling comforted, 'good vibrations.'
So, how do we respond to these kinds of change?
Some retreat into yesterday's traditions. They form little communities of like-minded people who enshrine the rites and rituals that bring them comfort. They increasingly lose touch with the world, but they are comforted.
Others become militant, angry at the world. They choose a cause and focus on it as a way of protesting change and blocking out their own sense of displacement. Still others join the party! They see the changes as inevitable and irresistible.
I believe we must see ourselves as those who are commissioned by Christ to 'go into all the world and preach the Good News of the Kingdom of God.' This demands that we work to understand that world, that we are engaged with it, while not becoming compromised by it. Our hearts must be full of passion for God, fired by the Spirit. Our minds must be sharp, honed by the Word of God, with the insight given by the Spirit. Jesus said of His followers - "You are the light of the world... let your light shine...so others will praise your Father in heaven."
Monday, June 19, 2006
Building up, tearing down?
Words are a gift. I received cards from my kids for Father's Day and in them they jotted words that filled my heart with joy because they were affirming words of thanks and appreciation. Yesterday, during worship, we poured out words of praise to God in our songs and prayers. Our words blessed Heaven and brought us together in spiritual worship. The words that expressed the intent of our heart and mind became words of life! In my pastoral work, I use words to encourage and instruct in both private conversations and public preaching. You're reading along today in this TFTD, my thoughts flowing into your mind by means of words - which hopefully are edifying.
Then, there are words that carry a curse! This morning, in my email, I learned of an occasion of slanderous gossip that had caused some dear friends to be distressed, embarrassed, and faced with the need to explain and defend themselves unnecessarily. Those were destructive words. I've heard parents use words that destroy. I cringe when I hear a parent label their child as stupid, or bad, or with similar pejorative labels. On school playgrounds kids chant, "Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words can never hurt me!" But that isn't not true. Words can hurt, badly. You know that, and so do I.
What kinds of words flow from your lips? Proverbs contains some great lines about gossip. Take a look.
Proverbs 16:28 A troublemaker plants seeds of strife; gossip separates the best of friends.
Proverbs 18:8 Listening to gossip is like eating cheap candy; do you really want junk like that in your belly?
Proverbs 26:20 When you run out of wood, the fire goes out; when the gossip ends, the quarrel dies down.
Paul sets a goal for each one of us in the use of our words. Romans 14:19 So let’s agree to use all our energy in getting along with each other. Help others with encouraging words.
How do we go from idle, death dealing gossip to encouraging words that bring life? With a genuine change of heart!
Jesus reminds us that our words don't spring from nowhere! They flow up from our inner most person, and are the revelation of the content of our heart, our thought life. A person who is mean, who spreads slanderous gossip, tells the world- "I have a heart that is empty of positive, Spirit-inspired life." This is my own experience. When I am depleted in spirit and have not renewed my strength in prayerful conversation with the Holy Spirit, I become a critical, difficult man. The overflow of my lips becomes ugly, negative, and demeaning to others. When I am filled with the Spirit, in the same situation, I am capable of encouraging, of speaking honestly, yet lovingly and with the goal of edifying others.
The answer to gossip and critical speech is not a padlock on the lips; it is confession of sin which allows the Holy Spirit to transform our mind.
Have you fallen into a pattern of gossip that destroys, that relates the worst, but seldom the best about others? Repent! Yes, friend, it's not just 'human' or 'normal,' it is a sin against God and others. Treat it as such. Pray instead that God will transform your words. Pray that it will be life, not death, that results from your conversations.
Let me leave you with a lengthy passage today for your meditation. It's packed with pithy wisdom! May God use it to challenge each one of us about the power of our words so that we will use them to build up the Kingdom.
"We all make many mistakes, but those who control their tongues can also control themselves in every other way. We can make a large horse turn around and go wherever we want by means of a small bit in its mouth. And a tiny rudder makes a huge ship turn wherever the pilot wants it to go, even though the winds are strong. So also, the tongue is a small thing, but what enormous damage it can do.
A tiny spark can set a great forest on fire. And the tongue is a flame of fire. It is full of wickedness that can ruin your whole life. It can turn the entire course of your life into a blazing flame of destruction, for it is set on fire by hell itself. People can tame all kinds of animals and birds and reptiles and fish, but no one can tame the tongue. It is an uncontrollable evil, full of deadly poison. Sometimes it praises our Lord and Father, and sometimes it breaks out into curses against those who have been made in the image of God. And so blessing and cursing come pouring out of the same mouth. Surely, my brothers and sisters, this is not right!
Does a spring of water bubble out with both fresh water and bitter water?" (James 3:2-11, NLT)
Then, there are words that carry a curse! This morning, in my email, I learned of an occasion of slanderous gossip that had caused some dear friends to be distressed, embarrassed, and faced with the need to explain and defend themselves unnecessarily. Those were destructive words. I've heard parents use words that destroy. I cringe when I hear a parent label their child as stupid, or bad, or with similar pejorative labels. On school playgrounds kids chant, "Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words can never hurt me!" But that isn't not true. Words can hurt, badly. You know that, and so do I.
What kinds of words flow from your lips? Proverbs contains some great lines about gossip. Take a look.
Proverbs 16:28 A troublemaker plants seeds of strife; gossip separates the best of friends.
Proverbs 18:8 Listening to gossip is like eating cheap candy; do you really want junk like that in your belly?
Proverbs 26:20 When you run out of wood, the fire goes out; when the gossip ends, the quarrel dies down.
Paul sets a goal for each one of us in the use of our words. Romans 14:19 So let’s agree to use all our energy in getting along with each other. Help others with encouraging words.
How do we go from idle, death dealing gossip to encouraging words that bring life? With a genuine change of heart!
Jesus reminds us that our words don't spring from nowhere! They flow up from our inner most person, and are the revelation of the content of our heart, our thought life. A person who is mean, who spreads slanderous gossip, tells the world- "I have a heart that is empty of positive, Spirit-inspired life." This is my own experience. When I am depleted in spirit and have not renewed my strength in prayerful conversation with the Holy Spirit, I become a critical, difficult man. The overflow of my lips becomes ugly, negative, and demeaning to others. When I am filled with the Spirit, in the same situation, I am capable of encouraging, of speaking honestly, yet lovingly and with the goal of edifying others.
The answer to gossip and critical speech is not a padlock on the lips; it is confession of sin which allows the Holy Spirit to transform our mind.
Have you fallen into a pattern of gossip that destroys, that relates the worst, but seldom the best about others? Repent! Yes, friend, it's not just 'human' or 'normal,' it is a sin against God and others. Treat it as such. Pray instead that God will transform your words. Pray that it will be life, not death, that results from your conversations.
Let me leave you with a lengthy passage today for your meditation. It's packed with pithy wisdom! May God use it to challenge each one of us about the power of our words so that we will use them to build up the Kingdom.
"We all make many mistakes, but those who control their tongues can also control themselves in every other way. We can make a large horse turn around and go wherever we want by means of a small bit in its mouth. And a tiny rudder makes a huge ship turn wherever the pilot wants it to go, even though the winds are strong. So also, the tongue is a small thing, but what enormous damage it can do.
A tiny spark can set a great forest on fire. And the tongue is a flame of fire. It is full of wickedness that can ruin your whole life. It can turn the entire course of your life into a blazing flame of destruction, for it is set on fire by hell itself. People can tame all kinds of animals and birds and reptiles and fish, but no one can tame the tongue. It is an uncontrollable evil, full of deadly poison. Sometimes it praises our Lord and Father, and sometimes it breaks out into curses against those who have been made in the image of God. And so blessing and cursing come pouring out of the same mouth. Surely, my brothers and sisters, this is not right!
Does a spring of water bubble out with both fresh water and bitter water?" (James 3:2-11, NLT)
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