Do you remember the old adage, “Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me”? I’m sure whoever came up with it meant well. In fact, it originated in the Christian Recorder March 1862, so the author may have felt it was biblical. But the truth is, words do hurt. Proverbs 8:12 says, There is one whose rash words are like sword thrusts, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.
There’s a lot of talk going around these days. Everyone has an opinion, theory, or criticism, and they want to be heard. I was literally trapped for two hours a couple weeks ago when a well-meaning friend of Chris’s (we’ll call him Hank) bombarded me with all he’d been learning from a “Christian” blogger who felt we should be prepping for what’s sure to come. He may have been blogging from a place of authority, but his endgame was to sell his book after scaring his followers into submission.
Over the last several months, I’ve spent more time in the Word, more time in prayer, and more time seeking God’s will than ever before. None of it mattered as my anxiety level rose minute by minute listening to all Hank’s predictions of what’s to come and what he’s doing to prepare for the worst. The only bright light was that he’d done the same thing for Y2K, so I could sense a pattern. I repeatedly let him know that his words were only bringing me anxiety, but it didn’t deter him.
I’m not sure what motivated Hank to share his ideology with me, but I doubt it was concern for my welfare. Most of us are guilty of something similar. It may not be to this extreme, but how often do we share our frustration over the unfairness of life, or the idiocy of those who don’t share our viewpoints? We’re in a panic over the unknown. We want to be heard, but to what end? Is it merely so we feel better or do we truly want to impart something edifying?
Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear—Ephesians 4:29.
There is no doubt we are facing a spiritual warfare, but if you read the Bible, this should come as no surprise. I, for one, can easily slip into panic or worry, forgetting Who is ultimately in charge. I’m writing this post on November 6th, before we know the outcome of the presidential race. But regardless of who wins, the outcome is ultimately in the Lord’s hands. He will put into power whom He chooses—for His purposes—regardless of the plans and/or corruption of man.
This is the truth we must cling to when the world seems to be spiraling out of control. Almighty God holds it all in the palm of His hand. We were made for a time such as this. It’s where the rubber meets the road. Are we going to land on the side of faith or the side of fear? Because if we choose to land on the side of fear, then we are no different than those without faith. And if we land on the side of faith, it needs to be evident in how, what, and when we speak to others, whether they agree with us or not.
In the meantime, I pray that our words will be filtered through the Holy Spirit before they are uttered aloud. Even those who love the Lord can speak words not of Him—then they become fair game for the enemy to use however he will in order to gain a win for his side.
Comments 3
GOD IS in control! ALWAYS! This is so comforting! After all we are CHOSEN and LOVED by God!
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You got that right, my friend!
Truer words were never spoken. Another quote I have heard often, but in this case you are right.