August 22 - The Power of Words

The Power of Words

 “Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in Thy sight.”  Psalm 19:14

Growing up in the South (Texas that is), definitely had its advantages and disadvantages.  From birth, you quickly became acquainted with fine cuisines as “grits” and “weather trolls” such as tornadoes.  There was a hint of positive pride being connected to the pioneer heroes of the famous Alamo battle and the reputable Dallas Cowboys.   And while everything isn’t big in Texas, the state seemed to take three weeks to drive across which somehow made you feel like it was its own country.

However, Texans have a reputation of communicating in an unusual manner which creates problems when leaving that indigenous zone.  I know…I “were one.”  Words like reckon, fixin’ and idinit (isn’t it) scarcely could be translated by western folk.

Some time ago, I dusted off my copy of “How to Speak Southern” and thought I’d invite you into the wonderful world of drawl.  Ya’ll can rate your abilities:

1.  Arn:  An electrical instrument used to remove wrinkles from clothing.  “Ah’m not gonna arn today.  It’s too hot.”

2.  Bleeve:  Expression of intent or faith.  “Ah bleeve we ought to go to church this Sunday.”

3.   Flares:  The colorful, sweet-smelling part of a plant.  “If your wife’s mad at you, it’s smart to take her some flares.”

4.   Keer:  To be concerned.  “That girl don’t keer about him.”

5.   Ratcheer:  On this spot.  “Jeest put the groceries ratcheer.”

6.   Warshrag:  A cloth used for cleaning people and dishes.  Hang up that warshrag when you’re done with it.”

How did you do?  If you got one or two right, consider yourself a learned linguist.  If you got more than three, let’s go have a bobbycue and tawk.  I spect you’ve been there.

There is not getting around it.   Our words give us away.  Communication experts can often hear a dialect and tell us where we’re from.

While Paul was known to throw out a “reckon” (Romans 8:18) or two, I “bleeve” he was a strong advocate of words that would represent our Lord Jesus.  Do our words convey our spiritual roots?  Citizens of heaven speak with certain characteristics.

1)   Words That Glorify Our Lord:  Psalm 19:14 says, “Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in Thy sight.”

2)   Words That Build Up Others:  “With the same tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it, we curse men, who have been made in God’s likeness…My brothers, it should not be.  (James 3:9, 10)

3)   Words That Exude Grace:  “Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope you have…But do this with gentleness and respect.”  (1 Peter 3:15)

Your words reveal a lot:  And that can be a great thing.  There is no greater thrill than to have someone say, “He’s the spittin’ image of his Father.”  It’s quite the compliment when someone sees the “Spirit and Image” of our heavenly Father in us.

Terry Risser

Reflections:

1)  Have your words given life recently?

2)  Who can you encourage today to show Christ’s love?

Consider reading the Word today:

Copyright 2014-Terry Risser