For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.
Hebrews 4:12
Earlier this week I read a New York Times article from Trish Hall, the author of “Writing to Persuade: How to Bring People Over to Your Side.” The goal of her post was to teach people how to write better emails, but what struck me was the way she approached the topic of writing and reading. “We’re all writers now,” she explained. “We fling words out into the universe through text, email, Facebook and more. So many words. And too often, they are neither convincing nor entertaining.”
Worldly Word-Flinging
Isn’t this so true today? Everyone has a platform if they want it. Social media puts the eyes of others as close as our fingertips. Even books are increasingly easier to self-publish. There are not just a few, but thousands of people who consider themselves to be influencers or act online as if they were. They, along with the rest of us, fling word after word and picture after picture, contributing to an industry that is is estimated to be worth $1.7 billion in 2019. As more and more people gain platforms, it is a hustle to speak and be listened to.
In a society that flings words, Christians are not on the outside. In fact, there is a false sense of responsibility urging those who to follow Christ to join in the flinging. Everyone is writing and talking, so why shouldn’t we? There are Christian versions to almost every kind of influencer online, whether the topic is motherhood, art, fitness, fashion, home decor, travel, food, entrepreneurship, self care or something else. We add to what Hall refers to as “the clutter,” justifying it by aiming to be a light in the world.
The intentions behind this can be good, rooted in a desire to use all of our platforms to the glory of God. We are the light of the world (Matthew 5:14–16) and meant to do this. However, the whole issue surrounding writing and influencing is more complicated when we consider what to write about and why.
You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.
Matthew 5:14–16
Our Words
While Hall is concerned with words that are convincing and entertaining, the Christian has more at stake. A follower of Christ should be concerned with whether his or her words are true and loving. To us, the idea of “flinging words” might be reminiscent of the “careless” words talked about by Jesus in Matthew 12:36. He warns against them saying “I tell you, on the day of judgment people will give account for every careless word they speak.”
So, what does this mean? Do we cease to write in fear of adding to the noise? Are words useless to us?
The Bible doesn’t seem to suggest that. Moses used words to share God’s messages with Pharaoh. Peter used words to address the crowd at Pentecost. Paul wrote letters to the early churches. The Holy Spirit teaches believers what to say (Luke 12:12).
Yet, when we write, we should not fling words, but speak graciously (Colossians 4:6) in a way that God can be glorified.
“Christians should be the most careful speakers in the world,” wrote Jon Bloom for an article on Desiring God. Now, consider this in light of our being the light of the world. What shines bright in a world of careless speakers? A careful one. Who shines bright in a world of people clamoring for attention? Peculiar as it seems, the ones who are slow to speak and quick to hear (James 1:19).
God’s Words
Our slow, careful words can shine compared to the careless words that come naturally to us. That is a beautiful thing, but also not our stopping point. As Christians we should primarily forge our words not in response to the words of others, but to the words of God. He is our model.
To take that a step further, our words should lead others to God and His words.
Here is what I know about His words:
For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.
Hebrews 4:12
For as the rain and the snow come down from heaven
Isaiah 55:10–12
and do not return there but water the earth,
making it bring forth and sprout,
giving seed to the sower and bread to the eater,
so shall my word be that goes out from my mouth;
it shall not return to me empty,
but it shall accomplish that which I purpose,
and shall succeed in the thing for which I sent it.
All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.
2 Timothy 3:16–17
God’s words are alive, active, sharp, fruitful, useful, and helpful. His words allow people to know Him. What a model to follow.
Light-Filled Words
I think more of us could be like Paul in 1 Corinthians 2:1–2: “When I came to you, brothers, I did not come with eloquence or wisdom as I proclaimed to you the testimony about God. For I decided to know nothing while I was with you except Jesus Christ and Him crucified.“
As Christians, online and otherwise, our aim is to use the words we write or say to share a testimony about God and to point people back to the most important words anyone can ever read, the Bible.
Even if words sound good, they carry no weight unless they align with the Bible and point readers to its Author.
Alone, no pastor or influencer or famous Christian can say something so catchy that our problems are fixed quick. A good quote can inspire, but if it only sounds pretty and falls flat when a trial comes, it isn’t helpful. But the Bible? Those words never return void or fail.
Here is what I am not saying…
- I am not staying that there is no use for our words.
- I am not saying it is bad to prayerfully take advantage of an outlet that allows words to be delivered to an audience.
- I am not saying that people cannot be inspired by the Holy Spirit to say something that can change a life.
Here is what I am saying…
- Words matter.
- Choose ones that will not return void.
- Use scripture at every opportunity and encourage people to open the Bible themselves and dig through it, so diligently as if they were digging in a field for gems.
Christians, do not fling words out into the universe, for we know that the universe is not all there is. Consider the weight of your words, anchor them in truth and love, and point back to Jesus. The most important words we’ll ever read are His.
Next Steps
Here are some next steps. For you. For me. For all of us.
- Consider the quotes and books you read. Do the words seem truth-based when held up to what to what God has written?
- Read the Bible. I know blogs are fun and books are fun. There is solid wisdom to be found by learning from people who are educated on a topic or who have a cool story to share about God. Make sure to spend time reading God’s word and then reading people who are rooted in it.
- Check out this resource: Ask Pastor John: I Have an Hour a Day to Read — How Much Should Be Bible?
