Words Matter

James wrote, "The tongue is also a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole person, sets the whole course of his life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell" (James 3:6). In James 3:3-11 James gives a sober reminder of the danger of words and the damage that words can do. The tongue may be a small part of the body, but it can wreak great havoc. I think most of us know this. We are taught in Sunday School the children's song "O be careful little tongue what you say for the Father up above is looking down in love so be careful little tongue what you say."

I think, though, our culture today has forgotten that simple Sunday School song. Last Saturday there was a horrible tragedy in Arizona. Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords and several others were shot by a crazed loner named Jared Loughner. That horrific event is sickening and makes me wonder what is happening in the world in which we live. On top of that, the ensuing discussion about this awful shooting has been apalling. Last Saturday afternoon, hours after the event, there were many on the political left blaming the rhetoric of some on the pollitical right. Since that time, the "war of words" has escalated. Words are being tossed about; accusations are being made; a discussion is being held as to whether the political climate gave birth to this terrible crime. I don't know what has happened to the simple truth that a person is resposible for his or her own actions.

Having said that, though, I do sometimes wonder about the way we use words today. I don't think that words are responsible for the deaths of those in Arizona. Let me say that again. However, the way we use words and the tone in which we address each other is a bit troubling. I do not consider myself to be totally "up to date," but I do have a Facebook page and I have seen and used YouTube. Sometimes the words people use and the manner in which they interact is, well, less than civil. We seem to have no problem "calling each other out" or "getting in someone's face." We can and do use all kinds of words, even curse words, pretty freely. We are quick to "cut down" or "question" other people and very infrequently demonstrate what is polite or kind. I know. We don't really mean it that way. We are only talking about sports or movies. Maybe, though, we need to reassess how we use words and how we say things. I am going to try.

Colossians 4:6 "Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone." Have a great new year and thanks for reading...