The power of words.

The power of words.

Proverbs 18:21 (New International Version)
21 The tongue has the power of life and death
and those who love it will eat its fruit.

This was written before the time of computers, face book and twitter, but is no less true today. So much damage is done with words and now we have the ability to extend life or death to millions.

I became aware of the power of words as a child. We went to the movies as a group every Saturday after chores. There were thrilling serials with a cliff hanger (usually literally) every week.

I soon began to notice a theme. If it was “Cowboys and Indians”, without fail, someone would discover something of value on Indian land and kill some Indians in an attempt to get it. This person was usually depicted as “riff raff”.

The Indians would retaliate (called a massacre) and in the end the Calvary would come and “save the day.” The Indians would be defeated and "relocated", opening up the land for whatever was of value. The subtle use of words here escaped most of us.

Now, let’s look at the word vandalism. When someone defaces a church or church sign it is called “vandalism” and we, without exception, think that person needs to be held accountable.

Vandalism is the behaviour attributed originally to the Vandals, by the Romans, in respect of culture: ruthless destruction or spoiling of anything beautiful or venerable. Such action includes defacement, graffiti and criminal damage.
Private citizens commit vandalism when they willfully damage or deface the property of others or the commons. Some vandalism may qualify as culture jamming or sniggling: it is thought by some to be artistic in nature even though carried out illegally or without the property owner's permission. Examples include at least some graffiti art, billboard "liberation" and possibly crop circles http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vandalism

Atheist groups around the country are putting up signs of protest of what they see as interference of church in secular life. One such sign advocates the removal of the words “under God” from the pledge of allegiance and currency.

These signs have become the target of “correction” by persons suspected to be Christian.

This became news when such a sign was defaced on Billy Graham Parkway in Charlotte, NC by adding the words "under God".

Whoever wrote on this sign got the atheists more publicity than they could have ever received with the sign. The altering of this sign reached millions by morning and had received 18,854 comments before 7:30 am.

Comments 11 - 20 of 18854

“I would have no problem with Christianity if it were only "useless."
The problem is that Christianity is actually harmful. It dulls the intellect and dumbs down it's constituency. It fosters hate, bigotry and xenophobia.
The quicker we rid ourselves of this ridiculous superstition, the better.”

This was one of the nicer comments left on an internet news blog in response to the vandalism.
Now, I might make some people unhappy with my use of the word “vandalism” but a rose continues to be a rose even when in the hands of Christians.

There is a lot of teaching in our bible on Christian behavior if only we take the time to study. The problem is that many of us are “half sentence Christians“.
2 Timothy 1:7, “For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline.”

2 Timothy 3:16-17, “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.”
2 Timothy 4:2, “Preach the Word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction.”

Where is the patience in this behavior. How do we reach a dying world with this behavior. How many hearts were hardened?

Let us continue to study God’s Word in an attempt to equip ourselves to meet the Great Commission. Let our lives be a light that shines on a hill so that the world can see our good works.

Let us ask God for guidance.

May God Forever Be a Blessing in Your Life!!!