Words Matter

Words have meaning. The words we choose truly do make a difference. It’s the motivation behind them that defines how words matter. As the Scriptures note “the power of life and death  is in our tongue”.

Choose your words wisely, this is an important step along our shared journey of “Becoming Today”. Perhaps more so now than ever before.

Proof positive of how important it is that we remember and take steps to ensure that words continue to have meaning involves our current state of society. Words after all are what makes up the basis of laws, regulations and the enforcement of them.

In a recent hearing on a controversial bill in a state legislature we were shown how unfair the processes of our world are. 

Under the rules of the state senate where this occurred, all those giving testimony are allotted two minutes to speak, Nonetheless a representative from a special interest group, which wraps itself in the mantle of being a Christian pro-family organization testified for over 40 minutes. More than 20 times longer than the rule allows. Here’s where it gets truly unfair 

The father of a tenager who would be adversely impacted by the law had his microphone turned off at the two minute mark and because he continued on for a total of 30-seconds longer the senators had the man arrested and taken to jail.

The same regulation, the same words, but the enforcement of them apparently only matters if those in leadership are hearing words that have been directed to accept and are not open to hearing other views. 

The words of  a multi-million dollar lobbying organization can be limitless, while the father of a child can not share their viewpoint. These giving preferential treatment are among those who have publicly sworn to serve all the people of their state:

…shall take and subscribe to the following oath of affirmation: “I, ________, do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will support the Constitution of the United States and the Constitution of the State of ——-, and that I will faithfully discharge the duties of the office of ________, upon which I am now about to enter.”

In this case ( and too many others today), the words of an individual that those who swear an oath to not only serve but also protect and respect, have no bearing. However those who come bearing gifts and political “donations” are treated as if they were preaching the Gospel. 

The word that matters here is “WRONG!” 

Wrong that all people are not being treated as equal. Wrong that there is selective enforcement of the law. Wrong that those perpetrating the wrongs are portraying themselves as proud obedient Christians. Their behavior is clearly defined as wrong in the Scriptures.

Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification.

– Romans 14:19 (NIV)

The Apostle Paul wrote in the book of Romans, that Christians are to allow people to make up their mind. To accept them, not to treat them with contempt if their conclusion differs from yours

The meaning of these words are so important. Many of the more than 2500 decisions we each make on a daily basis are not absolute, yes-or-no, nor one-size-fits-all answers. 

The Scriptures instruct that some actions are clearly right. Including that we are to be loving and committed to the service of all.

As well as, (Numbers 30:1-2 ESV), “Moses spoke to the heads of the tribes of the people of Israel, saying, “This is what the Lord has commanded. If a man vows a vow to the Lord, or swears an oath to bind himself by a pledge, he shall not break his word. He shall do according to all that proceeds out of his mouth.

Words matter. They do have meaning and as Grandma always said we should choose our words wisely. Over the next couple of days we’ll continue our discussion of using our words to build, uplift and inspire rather than destroy, segregate and break down all we truly hold dear and priceless in our hearts.

Now is when you can make your words matter. If there is a situation in your “world” that needs addressing, make the decision to be the one who crafts the words to do it. 

Tomorrow on “Becoming Today”, we’ll discuss making bold declarations and calling for actions. In the meantime your words and thoughts really do matter. Please share them below.