Dear Fellow Children of God,
I don’t know about you, but I’m SICK of it! I listen to political advertisements I hear on
the radio, and watch the campaign ads I see on the television. I even receive
campaign calls on my home phone, calls which always seem to start with a long
pause. My mailbox is full of campaign
flyers. I am tired of the twisted
facts. I abhor the half-truths. I am offended by the attacks on another
person based on what is not the whole truth.
In Alaska we have our issues which are the subject of these attack ads, But,
a couple of years ago Kathy and I were in Florida during the election
cycle. I was surprised that the attack
ads seemed even more vicious there.
As a Christian man, raised in the church, I remember
studying the 8th Commandment as a child. “Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbor.” (As we
said in King James language in the old days. J) I was taught from Luther’s Small Catchechism
that this means, “We should fear and love
God that we may not deceitfully belie, betray, slander, nor defame our
neighbor. But defend him, speak well of
him, and put the best construction on everything.” I memorized those words as young as 7 years
old in second grade Sunday School. Today’s
modern day language version puts it this way, “We should fear and love God so that we do
not tell lies about our neighbor, betray him, slander him, or hurt his
reputation, but defend him, speak well of him, and explain everything in the
kindest way.” So, do people today
speak in the kindest way as a rule?
But, it is not just politicians who
twist and stretch the truth, who gossip about others. We all face the temptations of the sinful
nature, which include misusing the gift of our tongue. James writes to the church in his epistle, “5 Likewise the tongue is a small
part of the body, but it makes great boasts. Consider what a great forest is
set on fire by a small spark. 6 The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil
among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole person, sets the whole
course of his life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell. 7 All kinds of
animals, birds, reptiles and creatures of the sea are being tamed and have been
tamed by man, 8 but no man can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of
deadly poison. 9 With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we
curse men, who have been made in God's likeness. 10 Out of the same mouth come
praise and cursing. My brothers, this should not be.” (James 3:5-10) Maybe slander and gossip “should not be,” but
it is. Unfortunately, we have all
participated in harmful speech, even the Church. Have you tamed your tongue?
Christians, however, are to be different from the rest of
the world. We are called to “let our
lights shine,” and to live in the forgiveness and grace of God. So, Jesus tells us that if we have a problem
with someone we should not talk about them to
others. We should instead discuss
our concern with the other person
first, privately. "If your brother sins against
you, go and show him his fault, just between
the two of you. If he listens to you, you have won your brother over.” (Matthew 18: 15) Perhaps instead of making a situation worse we can make it
better.
James instructs us that when we
talk with others we should first listen,
and then speak - slowly. “My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be
quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry,” (James
1:19) Perhaps you have heard that people have 2
ears, but only one mouth.
God’s word tells us in Proverbs
that there is even a time when it is wise to be silent. “27 A man of knowledge uses words with restraint, and a man of understanding
is even-tempered. 28 Even a fool is thought wise if he keeps silent, and
discerning if he holds his tongue.” (Proverbs 17:27-28) I tried to teach
that truth to my family. But, example is
the best teacher.
Peter tells us that in saving us,
Jesus bit his tongue and did not speak evil.
“21 To this you
were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you
should follow in his steps. 22 ‘He committed no sin, and no deceit was found in
his mouth.’ 23 When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate;
when he suffered, he made no threats. Instead, he entrusted himself to him who
judges justly. 24 He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, so that we
might die to sins and live for righteousness; ‘by his wounds you have been
healed.’” (1 Peter 2:21-24) God calls us to
follow Jesus’ example of faithful and loving speech.
Paul encourages us to speak
lovingly when we have to tell the truth.
In this way we grow together in the love and forgiveness of God. “Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into
him who is the Head, that is, Christ.” ( Ephesians 4:15) This instruction from Paul is difficult
wisdom. Sometimes we can speak the truth,
but in an unloving way. Sometimes, out
of concern for another, thinking we are acting in a kind manner, we hold back
the truth. But, instead, God’s people “speak
the truth . . . in love.”
In fact, some of the best speaking Christians
do happens when we speak to God. Jesus
tells us, “ Ask and it will be given to you;
seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.” (Matthew 7:7) Don’t speak untruths about others. Instead speak in humble faith with the Lord
of the universe!
Paul encourages us to ”pray continually” (1 Thessalonians 5: 17) And, during this political season
when political advertisements assault our ears, we are encouraged toward
another kind of speaking in regard to our leaders. God inspired Paul to write to young pastor
Timothy, “1 I urge, then, first of all,
that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone-- 2
for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives
in all godliness and holiness.” Wouldn’t it be refreshing if during a debate one candidate, instead of
attacking the other, would say, “I’ll pray for you.”?!
I am thankful that, under the leadership of Pastor
Schultz, St. John has decided to proceed with this positive speech during this
year’s election process. On Saturday
night and Sunday morning, October 31 and November 1, people will be praying for
our country, for the elections, for our leaders, for justice and righteousness,
and for freedom. People are signing up
for one hour time slots, many coming to church, to pray for God’s powerful and
gracious hand in this year’s elections.
How about you? Are
you SICK of the lies and half truths in another election process? Does
it seem worse this year than ever? Yet,
have you ever lied or participated in gossip yourself? Instead of speaking against another, let’s
encourage speaking “the truth in love.”
Instead of speaking against one another, let us pray for each other,
that God may work His will in our lives and communities.
A Child of God, SICK of Lies and Half Truths, but PRAYING
during this Election Cycle,
Pastor Jonathan
P.S. Gerry Zellar
and I went fishing on the Kenai River with, Murray Fenton (Fenton Brothers
Guide Service), the brother in law of St. John member, Harvey Kolberg. We caught LOTS of silver salmon, but 3 people
only kept 7 fish. Here are some
pictures. https://photos.app.goo.gl/VnzTY8FShkTNSm5F9
P.P.S. Our family
went for an outing on ATV’s on Saturday, October 17. We went out to the Knik River at the Jim
Creek Public Recreational Area. It was a
beautiful day and good family time.
Here are some pictures. https://photos.app.goo.gl/ST67SwQzMHcSgi1a9
P.P.P.S. Here are
some more Bible passages on proper use of the tongue by children of God.
· Proverbs 10: 19 When words are many, sin is not
absent, but he who holds his tongue
is wise.
· Proverbs 11:12 A man who lacks judgment derides
his neighbor, but a man of understanding holds his tongue.
· Proverbs 12:18 Reckless words pierce like a
sword, but the tongue of the wise
brings healing.
· Proverbs 17:4 A wicked man listens to evil lips;
a liar pays attention to a malicious tongue.
· Proverbs 21: 23 He who guards his mouth and his tongue keeps himself from calamity.
· Proverbs 31:25 She is clothed with strength and
dignity; she can laugh at the days to come. 26 She speaks with wisdom, and
faithful instruction is on her tongue.
*****
ABOUT THIS DEVOTION - I am now
retired from serving as senior pastor of St. John Lutheran Church in Palmer,
AK. My weekly devotion was previously titled, "Thoughts from the
Pastor." However, with life's changes I now call the devotion
"Journeys Through Life as a Child of God." I am only sending
this message to those who have asked to receive it. If you know someone
else who desires to receive this message, have them e-mail me at jonrock53@mtaonline.net.
I will include them on my distribution list. You can also view this message on
my Facebook page.
HOWEVER, A NUMBER
OF PEOPLE HAVE ASKED ME WHY THEY ARE NO LONGER RECEIVING MY DEVOTIONS. Since I’m only sending these e-mails to
people who ask for them, many are no longer receiving these messages. BUT, if you read this on Facebook and like to
receive these devotions by e-mail, or if you know someone who would like to
receive these devotions, send me an e-mail at jonrock53@mtaonline.net, and I will add
you to my distribution list.
Child of God
Husband, Father, Son, Grandfather
Pastor Emeritus, St. John Lutheran Church
E-Mail: jonrock53@mtaonline.net
No comments:
Post a Comment