Making Waves

When you think of a wave, what image comes to mind? For many people, the first thought conjures up a picture of a wave moving across the surface of an ocean, lake, or pond. Waves of this nature are created by some form of a disturbance, such as a rock thrown into the water, an otter's tail navigating him across a pond, or a boat moving through the water. I am not an expert in physics, however I have observed how, though a wave is caused by some form of disturbance, it eventually returns to it's calm state, once the waves subside. For instance, picture yourself out on a lake at 6:00 in the morning. The sun is rising over the lake, which is so calm, it appears as glass. Launch a boat into the water, and cruise around for awhile, and the movement produces waves which are felt around the paramenter of the lake's shore. Once the boat is pulled from the lake, the water eventually becomes like glass, once again.

Our daily interactions often create waves of emotion, both positive and negative. Our words are used to encourage, praise, slander, and deceive, which all generate some sort of emotional wave. The well known myth, "Sticks and stones will break my bones, but names will never hurt me", is one of the biggest deceptions ever taught to children. Where did that come from, anyway? The waves and echoes of hurtful words bounce around in the victim's spirit like waves of water crashing along an endless shore. Some words wound so severely, that the wound is passed on from generation to generation. That is pretty powerful. One hurtful word can stay with a person for a lifetime. This is why Jesus tells us to tame our tongue.(James 3:1-12) Jesus said, "The good man brings good things out of the good stored up in his heart, and the evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in his heart. For out of the overflow of his heart his mouth speaks." (Luke 6:45)

The tongue is the revealer of the heart. Only God knows our heart, right? Well, our mouth tells exactly what is in our heart. New life, transformation, bearing the fruits of the spirit, and salvation will show up in the words we speak. Our words are meant to encourage and to share the truth in God's word.
(1 Thessalonians 5:11,14-15; Romans 15:5) Why would anyone want to destroy another with words, like a tidal wave destroys bodies of land? A critical spirit is like posion ivy; it only takes a little contact to spread its poison. It is written, "Keep reminding them of these things. Warn them before God against quarreling about words; it is of no value, and only ruins those who listen. Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth. Avoid godless chatter, because those who indulge in it will become more and more ungodly."
(2 Timothy 2:16-17)

There is nothing wrong with correction. Actually, every one of us should always seek correction. It is the tone of our words and the words we choose which will edify. "Christians are to be accurate and balanced when giving criticism. When a person or group that claims to be Christian and yet seriously departs from the historical biblical doctrines of orthodox Christianity, one cannot stand idly by in silence. (Matt. 18:15-16). To not speak out would be dishonoring to God and unloving, not only to Christians, but also to the propagators of the error." - by Clete Hux, The Watchman Expositor, Vol. 10, No. 3, 1993



The Apostle Paul warns us that no part of the body should ever be used to do any ungodly thing. Jesus did not speak with motives to judge and condemn. To 'handle the word of truth correctly' translates to edification, truth, love, correction, encouragement, and salvation, therefore speaking wholesome words of Christ to create strong, healthy believers. The waves created in our being by words as these are waves of life and love. They overflow from our heart into the lives of others. Isn't that what we desire the most, to share what God has done in our hearts with others? Don't we want everyone to experience the embrace of His unfailing and unconditional love? To experience freedom in Christ? "Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free." (John 8:32)