After God spoke long ago in various portions and in various ways to our ancestors through the prophets, in these last days he has spoken to us in a son . . .Hebrews 1.
God spoke in the Old Testament through human agents, and in time of Christ, He spoke to us in His Son. The point of the Hebrews is the superiority of Christ, specifically that He is superior over the prophets, over angels, and over Moses. However, I would like to focus on God’s speaking, i.e. communicating with us humans — his creatures. What is the purpose of God’s communication to mankind? We assume that he has a purpose when He speaks, a purpose, that is, beyond the transfer of knowledge. Today, when we speak, most often it does not go beyond the transfer of knowledge. Sometimes our speaking does not even transfer knowledge.
God’s speaking not only has a purpose, but it causes action, leads to a response. God spoke and there was light. God spoke and the heavens and earth came into being. God’s speaking is never for the mere purpose of transferring knowledge. God’s words cause action, whether in the natural world or in the heart of men and women.
First, God speaks to reveal Himself. God desires that His creatures know Him, i.e. know His character. God is love, holy, just, gracious, merciful, omnipotent, sovereign, good, compassionate. Throughout the Old Testament, God has revealed Himself. God spoke through His prophets, through angels, through His powerful actions. Ultimately, God spoke through His son in the incarnation. Jesus is God in a physical form, clothed in human body. In His 33 years on this earth, Jesus continued to reveal who God is.
Second, having revealed (and continuing to reveal) Himself, God desires that we respond. “In Him was life, and this life was the light of men.” Jesus said, “I have come that they might have life and might have it abundantly.” God’s desired response is that we might know Him, i.e. to know Him experientially, not just knowing mere facts or even truths about Him. Knowing Him is eternal life, as Jesus states in John 17:3. Our ultimate joy comes from an intimate knowledge of Him, which brings Him great glory. So God’s word gives life – eternal life.
For what purpose do we use our words? Why do we speak? We are not God, but should our words also have a purpose beyond the transfer of knowledge or self revelation or tearing down of others?
- We speak often for the mere transfer of information.
- We speak to reveal ourselves, which can be good and evil.
- We speak to injure or hurt.
- We speak to encourage and build others.
The first has its purposes and intrinsically neither good nor evil. Transferring knowledge can be used for both good and evil. The third, obviously, should be avoided, just as fourth should, obviously, be embraced. Our words should give life. Our words (and actions) should point to the ultimate Life-giver. Paul writes in his letter to the Ephesians,
You must let no unwholesome word come out of your mouth, but only what is beneficial for the building up of the one in need, that it would give grace to those who hear. Ep 4:29 (NET)
Just as we have received grace from God, our words should convey His grace to those around us. Our speech should result in the building of people – construction and not destruction. People are best “built” as they progress in their walk toward God.
Paul writes again in Colossians chapter 4,
Conduct yourselves with wisdom toward outsiders, making the most of the opportunities. Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you should answer everyone.
Not only do our words speak to others, our actions do as well. Both our actions and our words deliver a message, and the message should be one of grace — flavorful and not bitter.
Peter writes in his first epistle,
But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people of his own, so that you may proclaim the virtues of the one who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.
Here, Peter tells us we should speak to proclaim the virtues of God. Our words ultimately give life when we point our audience to the Life-giver.
The second, depending on the motivation for self-revelation and the nature of that revelation, can be evil or good. We can share about ourselves in a manner that leads to a building and strengthening of human relationships. Relationships are built on mutual knowledge of one another and on shared experiences. Where there is no knowledge of both parties, there is no relationship. Self-revelation to exalt oneself is self-glorification. Self-glorification is evil. It’s a subtle, or often not so subtle, attempt to be like God. Self-glorification tells the world, “Hey, look how good, beautiful, powerful, rich . . . I am.”
Because God is the source of life, His self-revelation leads to life. Our self-revelation leads to life only as much as it points others to the Source. If our self-revelation terminates on ourselves, it leads to death.
In a world filled with bantering and inane words, and often destructive messages, our speech, as believers, should stand in stark contrast. It should be purposeful — hope-inducing, soul-lifting, and life- giving. Sometimes it’s better not to speak and be silent . . . or let our actions speak. “When there are many words, transgression is unavoidable . . .” Pro 10:19. In the world today, where silence and quietness are near extinction, indeed “Less is more.”
Listen . . . think . . . speak (if necessary)
Hallowed be Thy Name, Thy kingdom come. 