FINDING THE RIGHT WORDS
May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be
acceptable in thy sight O Lord my strength and my redeemer. Psalm 19:14
We are experiencing In our society a very complex and
volatile world. There’s the right wing the left wing, ethnic cleansing, and
ideology driven by extreme fundamentalism.
Those who have taken on leadership roles in society are for
the most part type A personalities. They can be driven to express in no
uncertain terms what their personal views are. There are those among us who
have strong convictions on both the right and left-wing agendas; and without a
question there are those who are right on both sides. Becoming intense
regarding our views can cause not only division but anger and discord.
While we can never walk from our values and morals that are
based upon our Judeo-Christian faith, we need to be informed and thoughtful
when in discussion with others who do not agree with us.
We live in an inclusive society where people of all
countries come to our shores and deserve the same freedoms as we do as long as
it doesn’t conflict with our rule of law. As we move along in society, this becomes
a more complex situation.
Jesus was born into a very hostile political atmosphere.
Jerusalem was ruled by Rome and they were very iron fisted. When he was asked
if he a Jew should pay taxes to Caesar, he had a coin displayed showing the
head of Caesar and informed the crowd to give to Caesar what belonged to him.
We are to pray for kings and all who are in authority so
that we may live a peaceful and quiet life and dignified in every way. We are
to show respect to everyone, love the family of believers, fear and honor God.
God spoke to his
people through Jeremiah to seek peace and prosperity of the city to which carried
them into exile. For lack of guidance a nation falls but victory is won through
many advisers. He makes nations great, and destroys them, he enlarges nations
and disperses them.
Franklin D. Roosevelt was quoted to have said; I ask that
our people devote themselves in a continuance of prayer, as we rise to each new
day and again when each day is spent let words of prayer be on our lips.
On a more personal level, saying the right words can also be
extremely challenging. It is sometimes easier to jump in with both feet when
someone his expressing their opinions. The art of listening with love can
sometimes give us an opportunity to express effectively a response that can
bring healing and direct the conversation to a more resourceful understanding.
Wouldn’t the world be a better place if we could follow
Paul’s admonishment in Colossians 4:6 to let our conversation be always full of
grace, seasoned with salt so that you may know how to answer everyone.
The right word at the right time is like a custom-made piece
of jewelry, and a wise friend’s timely reprimand is like a gold ring slipped on
your finger Proverbs 25:11-12
