Serving the High Plains
Serving the High Plains
I have great respect for those talented in other languages.
My father was a second-generation missionary in South America who became a Bible translator, developed a written language for a Peruvian tribe and wrote down their folklore so they could learn to read, after which he translated the New Testament for them.
I also have great respect for those who’ve figured out how to communicate with people who cannot see, speak and/or hear.
However, as proud as I am that we can communicate by various means, a recent event concerned me.
I passed someone on Interstate 40 doing slightly less than the speed limit but maintaining their position in the middle of their lane. As I approached the vehicle, I noticed their cellphone was mounted to the side on their dashboard for “hands-free” use, and I could tell from the driver’s head movement they were carrying on a deep conversation. When I got beside the car, I realized it was a conversation alright, but driver was using both hands for sign language. While their hands were free from their phone, they were also free from the steering wheel. So, I my foot communicated with my car, which rapidly responded and got us away from the other car very quickly!
While we have various means of communication, verbal and non-verbal, we must be careful about the message we actually send to whoever might be listening or watching, especially when it comes to the truth of God’s word. As Christians, we must realize everything we do in life, including our mannerisms, reveals both our humanity and our true stance on following God.
Our humanity is revealed through our sins and other shortcomings (Romans 3:23; 1 John 1:8-9). Our love for the truth (there is only one truth) is revealed in how we follow the truth to remain in God’s love (James 4:7-10; John 15:9-10; 2 Peter 1:3-11). If we lack an appropriate love for the truth, our humanity is in big trouble eternally (2 Thessalonians 2:9-17).
We must certainly be careful about the example we communicate to avoid misleading anyone (Luke 17:1-4; 1 Corinthians 10:31-11:1; 8:9; 1 Timothy 4:12-16). An open expression of repentance after a public sin sets the example of truth overcoming humanity (Acts 26:17-20; 2 Corinthians 7:8-10).
We must also be careful who we follow because, although they might be staying in their lane, they might not be going where we want to go (Proverbs 2:1-15; 15:9-19; 21:16). If we blindly follow them, we’ll receive the same fate as them (Matthew 15:13-20; 7:13-27).
It’s up to each individual to seek wise counsel and verify that our teachers speak only the truth, which comes only from God’s word – all of God’s word – so we’ll follow the path of righteousness and produce the appropriate fruit despite our humanity (Acts 17:11; 20:26-31; 1 Peter 2:11-12; Matthew 6:33; 3:13-17; Romans 1:16-17; 3:21-26; 6:18).
Is the light of God’s word beaming from you for others to follow (Matthew 5:14-16; 1 Peter 3:15-16)?
Leonard Lauriault is a member of the Church of Christ in Logan who writes about faith for the Quay County Sun. Contact him at [email protected].