What We Say
As we are born, we begin to be exposed to all sorts of stimuli. As our little minds begin to absorb that which is around us, we develop various abilities. One of the early developments, and one that thoroughly pleases parents (at least at the first), is when ‘the baby’ begins to say words. We then become capable of stringing words together to convey ideas, make the arguments needed to support those ideas, and to communicate with each other. There are multiple avenues in which saying words can be utilized, so we should be aware that what we say reveals much about us.
In many instances, not only what we say, but how we say it, has a great impact on how the message is received. The tone of voice often dictates how others perceive what is said. Some have even surmised that one can say pretty much anything and get by with it, so long as it is said with a smile. I don’t agree with this, as one’s actions often bely the intent of a person’s mind, regardless of the friendliness of their face. For instance, if one menacingly approaches me while smiling, I have a hard time seeing a pleasant outcome. Therefore, many who instruct others in the area of public speaking, sales, and other areas in which ‘words’ are used to convince folks to purchase a product or embrace an idea, stress the idea that the way something is said, as well as the ‘optics’ of how it is said has an impact on what is received by the hearer and the final outcome.
But regardless of ‘how’ something is said, the truth is the truth and a lie is a lie. Truth and lies are diametrically opposed and the presentation does not change the character of either. The latter part of 1John 2:21 is confirmation of this. The Spirit had the beloved apostle pen, “no lie is of the truth”. This is in part why the Spirit, in 1Cor. 1:10, had Paul write: Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment.
This includes what is proclaimed from the pulpit, as well as from house to house. Peter was sent to the home of Cornelius as the gospel was first being offered to the Gentiles. The message provided Peter by inspiration was faithfully delivered, concluding with the Words of Acts 10:42-43. “And he commanded us to preach unto the people, and to testify that it is he which was ordained of God to be the Judge of quick and dead. 43 To him give all the prophets witness, that through his name whosoever believeth in him shall receive remission of sins.” We also know this preaching includes the requirement of baptism, as Acts 10:48a shows. And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. The commanding of preaching baptism ‘into Christ’ is a necessity because remission of sins does not occur until one is baptized into Christ, having been properly taught. When what we say is not according to the Word of God it is a mixed message, and this results in souls not being saved.
Mixed messages also tend to divide congregations. This is why truth and consistency from the pulpit is so essential. The Spirit had Paul warn some congregations of this. In Gal.1:8-9 these brethren were warned that if any, whether an apostle or an angel from heaven, preached a message other than what had been delivered by inspiration and which they had received, the preacher would be accursed. This is quite obvious when the inspired directive of 2Tim. 4:2 is considered. Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine. The reason was also given why the “whole truth” (the Word) MUST be faithfully proclaimed is laid out in the two following verses. We have all observed when folks “heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears ”, and “be turned unto fables ”. Mixed messages and all other false teaching leads man to destruction.
On the other hand, the true Word of God leads man to Salvation. Paul, according to Rom. 1:14-17 knew that preaching the truth is important. He was ready to preach the gospel in Rome. He was “not ashamed of the gospel of Christ ”, because he knew it “is the power of God unto Salvation to every one that believeth ”. He knew that the “righteousness of God ” is revealed in the gospel. The Spirit also hade Paul write to the brethren in Colossae and confirmed that “the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God.” And in 1Cor 15:1-2 we see the result when what was said was truth, and when the truth is received, believed and obeyed. Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand; 2 By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain.
What we say may very well help some lost soul see the truth and help guide them to obedience to the Word of God. The primary mission of the church is to take the soul saving New Testament gospel to all. Hopefully they will hear and obey. On the other hand, what we say, if not in accordance with God’s Word, may very well lead a soul toward eternal destruction. Let’s all search the scriptures daily, say the right things whether in the pulpit or across the kitchen table that will help someone learn the truth so they can make an informed decision about the eternal destiny of their soul.
Dennis Strickland – Mooresville church of Christ
