My Words Do What?

Proverbs 12:18  18 There is one whose rash words are like sword thrusts, but the tongue of the wise brings healing. Recently there was a minister who gave a prayer before a legislative body whose words were politically harsh and inappropriate for the occasion. It created an atmosphere I am told that left people wanting more godly insight by someone praying for wisdom, and not delivering a political opinion. Being truthful and honest doesn't have to make you harsh or insensitive to your surroundings.  There is a tendency by many who want to take a stand against the liberal policies of government to say things that can harm their cause of righteousness rather than help it. I think there is a time and place for honest dialogue and face to face debate, but there are times we stand before God with an open heart and mind and we simply ask Him for His wisdom and guidance.  I have been outspoken about the slippery slope the church is on as it pertains to holding on to the teachings of the Bible vs the cultural interpretation of scripture. I have been critical of a pastor in our area whose involvement with the environment, immigration issues, and poverty, all the hot buttons in our society, and at times have passed judgment on this leader with my words. What I have questioned is the comments made by this leader about the environment where this leader said, "global warming is the most important issue facing the church today?"  I am sorry, global warming may be an issue of pollution but it can be controlled, but that's not at all the most critical issue facing the church today.  The greatest issue facing the church is indifference and apathy toward the preaching the gospel. Its the deconstruction of what the scripture teaches, and re-constructing a different paradigm for the post modern audiences.  It is this kind of interaction that makes my words more harsh and critical. However, just about the time I get on my high horse about this pastor/leader, I see a commercial from his ministry during the local  evening TV news. The message is that salvation can be found in no other name other than in Jesus Christ. Now, my whole argument, my defense mechanisms all melted away and this once slippery slopped Christian leader has now redeemed himself in the scope of my opinion.  God wants us to be honest and not dodge the harder questions facing our culture, but I think we can do so with words that can heal as well as challenge the heart and mind. We must always keep in mind that our opinions  really don't mean in light of eternity. The only perspective that really matters is the perspective of Jesus Christ, because His words are the words that eternity hang on. So when I stand before a legislative body, a congregation, leading my small group, or leading my team in the market place, my perspective has to take into consideration the people I am trying to influence with my life.  Does it matter what my political opinion is?  Does it matter what theology I ascribe to? Does it matter what church I attend?  No, because if you line up all these issues and compare them to the call each believer has on his or her life which is to influence others to accept the message of Jesus Christ, it doesn't matter. You can nit-pick your way to being ineffective and judgmental and never accomplish anything for the Kingdom of God.  Our call is to draw people to the truth, to instill in them the hope that Jesus gives to all human beings.   Watch your words today.  Let them be honest and truthful, but always season them with grace, it will go further than your anger against unrighteousness.  Keeping it honest and truthful....K

Comments

[Ron Sawtell]

Amen!!!!