MORE THAN WORDS
There are 3 types of language-
Deceptive language
Most of us would have come across people in our workplace or family or elsewhere who consistently have the knack to speak deceitfully. Their words and promises appear convincing, but you know with the experience you’ve had with them over time, that they do not genuinely mean what they say or will not make an effort to come good on their promises. Deceptive language distorts reality and attempts to paint a picture of reality that isn’t. Fake news have made huge impacts in our current world and while the liberal media does often complain about fake news, they are often guilty of peddling in it themselves, conveniently hiding that which is not in line with their narrative. Being truthful means you present both sides of a story and there is always two sides to a story. For instance, while the pro-choice proponents do make an attempt to highlight the importance of free choice for a woman, they conveniently ignore the mental trauma and the lifelong anguish women often feel after they go through an abortion. Deceptive language is condemned in the Bible and is the worst form of language, because it actually causes harm.
Truthful language
Being truthful is meaning what you say and also accurately representing the reality around you. Saying what is true and making every effort to come good on your promise has become a rare phenomenon in today’s world. It reflects a willingness to look at facts and make an honest opinion. It requires you not to be swayed by the popular opinion, which more often than not is unhooked from reality. Using truthful language also means keeping your promises. The integrity of a person is his commitment to do what he says he will do. The whole concept of credit history is built on the trustworthiness of a person. Credit history is what banks utilize to ensure that they give loans only to customers who have a proven history of keeping good on their past promises to pay on time.
Powerful language
Powerful language goes beyond the obvious truthful reality to roam through the invisible spiritual realm that we are immersed in. Paul uses an interesting statement to describe his presentation of the gospel to the Thessalonians.
‘…our gospel came to you not simply with words but also with power, with the Holy Spirit and deep conviction…’ (1Thessalonians 1:5)
For words to be clothed with power, and carried by the Holy Spirit, they have to be grounded in the invisible spiritual reality. This is possible only when the speaker has a personal knowledge of God through Jesus Christ, and has experienced the reality and power of the spiritual realm. This realm is as true as the physical realm but most choose to be oblivious to the workings of this realm. An example of powerful language is the Bible itself, because when the words of the Bible are spoken, they are more than words. They connect a person to the invisible spiritual realm and an experience of power and conviction is inevitable. It is powerful language that makes a lasting impact on this world as it brings deep conviction and liberation.
