The Speech of Saints
Sarcastic words said in jest can, in fact, accomplish their mission. Whoops.
Language holds more power than we give it credit for. It is the first recorded method of creation by God almighty, speaking everything when there were no things till there were, well…all things. And in His likeness He gave us power to create with words as well although, our flesh would have us believe we are building things while we are actually in the midst of destroying - such is the way of our wayward hearts.
Take the aforementioned sarcasm, for instance - something I was a great champion of at one time, I’m still trying to flush my system of it - it’s aim is to take people down a peg - It puts our charm on a throne that leaves little space for the worthiness of others. The same can be said for dragging, gathering, gossiping, slandering, salaciousness, swearing etc. and all that. In person. In comments or posts. It’s all the sad same.
Perhaps you are of the mind I was, that it’s not that big of a deal - that’s just what you sound like, it’s just who you are. To that I would ask is it more important for you to “be you” or to be used? If your response is the latter, it likely means you are due to learn a new language. You, redeemed one, are supposed to be using the speech of saints.
I’d like to assure you that if you are saved you are also, saint. This position is not reserved for old dead guys talked about in stuffy stain-gassed churches - you signed up for sainthood when you decided to become a disciple. The life of a saint is a life of purpose. Not the many purposes we lay on our own shoulders calling it “calling”, but the true calling that has come to us from the One we say we love. It is to be like Christ, to help others to know Him more and to be the church He died for.
So why should these aforementioned ‘others’ believe us? How will they know we represent the true messiah? By love.
But love is a big word. What does love look like when it comes from the One who made it? Certainly not proud or rude.
So, by that logic, if the language we choose is proud or rude it speaks loudly about us - not our wit, though, of a less flattering truth.
And if we do in fact believe what the Bible says on the matter - I mean actually believe it - then how many moments have we sprinkled death over, syllable by syllable instead of drizzling holy words that edify?
Saints believe what their Savior says. So, what does He say saints sound like?
Gracious, gentle, true, wholesome, compassionate, building up, encouraging, for a start.
The speech of saints honors this calling on our lives in every circumstance, with everyone.
And callings do not take breaks, though we tend to. Somehow we are clear when it comes to the callings we give ourselves, but when the Master lays out our mission, we treat the way forward like it is a trudge through the viscous desires of an unfair Maker.
If you are still resistant to this idea; if a self-righteous leaning feels like home and honeyed words feel saccharine; I’d like to offer that pride has a foothold in your heart somewhere you prefer not to look for fear of exposing some darkness, weakness, or rebellion, some hurt, idolatry, anger or apathy.
I found this out about my own self and, as unfortunate as it was to accept - it has been beautiful to heal.
God is gracious.
The Bible is clear on the power of the tongue and those who choose to forego the responsibility to steward it . And the Word is direct : choosing to know and not change is a sign that we are, perhaps, not as clever or virtuous as we may congratulate ourselves on being.
Change requires us to consciously put off immaturity and sacrifice the whole of our bodies - including the tongue, teeth, lips, vocal chords, temporal and frontal lobe - it is only proper. In order to engage in this work we, first, must choose it. And in it we need - like, need, need, the help of the Holy Spirit.
Need.
In light of all this, I propose you join me as I seek God daily to refine my speech - our speech. He is healing those places in my heart that were sour and selfish due to hurt and fear. And as I submit my heart over and over the overflow is found in the sweetness I speak.
To be trusted as a life-speaker is a privilege wielded humbly in His name. What an honor it is to be known by the Christ-likeness of your conversation. Opportunities open to be blessing when you practice making your consistent response a holy one.
And so, with divine help, let us choose to be the builders of a healthy body. May our speech be mellifluous sustenance, nourishing to every soul, for this is the way of saints.
