COMMUNICATION

I was Just Thinking About – COMMUNICATION.

Any independent thinker will quickly conclude that the government of the United States is highly partisan and obviously dysfunctional. Rather than communication, there is the constant flow of talking points, narratives and misrepresentation. It appears that there needs to be a reform to occur and integrity to be returned. It seems as though the hackneyed comment about one can know whether or not a politician is lying – if one’s lips are moving – they’re lying. How very said that the hackneyed may be actual in the affairs of the nation at this time.

Some years ago, I had a Church Officer who would often state: “What we need around here is more  communication.” He said it with conviction and often. In part, he was referring to some who acted in an official way because of their allowed influence but bypassed the governing board(s) of the Church in the process.  Regrettably, this goes on in many churches. People of wealth and/or influence have become the tail that wags the dog. If anyone doesn’t like it, they are marginalized and disregarded. Integrity, submission to brethren and all things being done decently and in order are ignored by the “powerful” individual(s) and their minions.

How should this impact the genuine Christian. What should govern one’s actions, reactions and communications? In the Sermon on the Mount, Matthew 5:37, Jesus gave the basic instruction about valid communication: “Simply let your ‘Yes’ be ‘Yes’ and your ‘No,’ ‘No.’ Anything more comes from the evil one.” Similarly, James 5:12 repeats and emphasizes, “Above all…do not swear, not by heaven or earth or by any other oath. Simply let your ‘Yes’ be ‘Yes’ and your ‘No’ be ‘No’ so that you will not fall under judgment.” This summation by James of the words spoken by Jesus Christ follows a previous instruction in James 1:19-20, “Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to anger, for man’s anger does not bring about the righteousness that God desires.”

James is indicating that everyone should be measured in terms of their verbal communications. Why? Proverbs 16:23-24 indicates a reason: “The heart of the wise makes his speech judicious and adds persuasiveness to his lips. Gracious words are like a honeycomb, sweetness to the soul and health to the body.”

What is the purpose of communication with integrity? What should result from careful verbal expression? Should one’s attitude, personal animus and spirit of negativity be allowed to dominate the narrative and purposeful actions that should receive positive unanimity? It appears that negative voices are like a hollow log – making the most noise. There needs to be a renewed commitment to apply and obey the teachings of Scripture.

Ephesians 4:29 instructs, “Let no unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building up the one in need and bringing grace to those who listen.” The (NLT): “Don’t use foul or abusive language. Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to others.” Additionally, we are instructed in Colossians 3:16-17 the value and benefit of sanctified communication: “Let the word of Christ richly dwell within you as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God. And whatever you do in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.” Are these words descriptive of your words?

Prayerfully – consider these things with me.