words -- we can't live with them . . . or without them

St. Francis of Assisi once said: “Preach the gospel at all times, and if necessary use words.” What a great line. After all, we are nit wits most of the time, and the presumed importance of our words is often just that, presumed. To illustrate, I was observing some television ministry when I noticed these words at the bottom of the screen: IF YOU WANT TO KNOW JESUS CONTACT US AT. What?! Who the _ _ _ _ do you think you are, presuming to be the spokespersons for Jesus? Do you think the living God, the Lord of universe actually needs your help? Are you so arrogant as to assume that you are the mediators between God and man? I thought Jesus already occupied that spot! Then again, I thought, they probably meant well, and I’m guessing that at least some of the people associated with this particular ministry were only trying to be faithful. Indeed, I have to admit that Scripture does teach that the norm for the gospel is that it be spread through human messengers. Remember Paul’s words to the Romans: “How will they hear without a preacher?” Once again, I sense the tension of it all. On the one hand, we are often better of (and people are often better served) if we simply care about them and live faithfully among them rather than spouting off our trite little evangelistic phrases. Sometimes, I just want to scream, “Shut up!” On the other hand, if we are indeed going to be faithful, we have to open our mouths at some point. Indeed, as much as I agree with the sentiments of Assisi, I must also admit that he conveys his thoughts via, you guessed it, words. Indeed, to point out the arrogance of others, to state that words can be dangerous, to decry the overuse of words involves the use of words. What’s more, Jesus expects us to use words in telling others of the love and purposes of God. Indeed, the spread of the gospel in the early church and during all times of revival has been caused, among other things, by the use of words. So, what’s the point? Well, we have to use words, for they are a gift and an avenue of revelation. But as we speak, we had better be sure that our words are right, that they are based in truth and not our traditions, that we speak the truth in love (and not to win an argument), and that we understand that these words–to the degree that they are true–are divinely appointed pointers to the living God, entry points, if you will, into the presence of the One who is the Word made flesh. “Lord, help us to use words, but let us do so wisely, intelligently, lovingly, and with an eye to the one who is both the Author of words and the embodiment of grace and truth.”