Bible Thoughts April 30, 2000
"Let your speech be always with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye
may know how ye ought to answer each one"(Colossians 4:6).
When one hears the word communication, it is usually associated with what one has to say. In the above passage, Paul is encouraging the brethren at Colosse to use speech that would have a saving quality about it. It would be of such nature to meet the needs of the hearers. Such speech would be the opposite of what he described in Ephesians 4:29, "Let no corrupt speech proceed out of your mouth." How one speaks is determined by what one wants to communicate.
Communication is not limited to speech. Even the world recognizes this fact. Some speak often of "body language." It is believed that one by his bodily movements and expressions is communicating. This writer would not dispute that a person does "say something" with his/her body. However, there are many identifiable areas in which one is sending a message to others.
A disciple communicates with the kind of life one is living. The apostle Paul taught this truth in Philippians 1:27, "Only let your manner of life be worthy of the gospel of Christ: that, whether I come and see you or be absent, I may hear of your state..." The type of life that one is living communicates a reputation. Wherever one chooses to go, his/her life is speaking. The message is up to the individual. A good reputation is earned by living a righteous life. What does my life say to others?
Encompassed in the life of a person, and determining the effect of that life, is one's behavior. How one conducts oneself in the presence of others not only speaks loudly, it can overshadow what one has to say with the mouth. The Bible clearly teaches that one's conduct should match one's profession. Righteous behavior is not limited to the services or when in the presence of Christians; it is to be telling others that one is a disciple every moment of every day.
A person's values communicate a message as well. Paul told the Corinthians to "Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong. Let all that ye do be done in love"(I Corinthians 16:13). What is first in one's life as well as what is last informs friends, neighbors, and all others of what one esteems and cares about. When one values the Lord, he serves the Lord. When one loves the word, he stands fast in its teachings. When one lives as a Christian, one is acting as the Lord expects. When a person is strong for the Lord, it is evident in the values taught to the family. The value of love in all circumstances cannot be ignored; for with it one communicates an effective message to all of those who view his/her life.
The company one chooses sends a communication to oneself, to others, and to God. Solomon said it, "Walk with wise men and thou shalt be wise; But the companion of fools shall smart for it"(Proverbs 13:20). The choices of association identify a person morally and spiritually. Those who care for righteousness will seek righteous people as close friends. The apostle Paul warned about the danger of unrighteous association: "Be not deceived: Evil companionship corrupts good morals"(I Corinthians 15:33). Did you ever hear someone say, "He fell into bad company?" Now--do we understand the message of Solomon and Paul?
Emotions are a form of communication. "And he said unto them, What communications are these that ye have one with another, as you walk? And they stood still, looking sad"(Luke 24:17). Jesus knew they were communicating in their speech about his death and the empty tomb, but the sadness in their hearts was evident. The sadness turned to joy as they recognize the Lord and return to Jerusalem to share the joy of the resurrection. One's own emotions communicate to others many messages. From joy to sorrow; from peace to anger; from bitterness to warmth; from failure to victory; from disinterest to caring; and the list could grow on and on. Communication is not limited to speech!
In a communication to the brethren at Philippi, the apostle Paul would say, "And this I pray, that your love may abound yet more and more in knowledge and all discernment; so that ye may approve the things that are excellent; that ye may be sincere and void of offense unto the day of Christ; being filled with the fruits of righteousness, which are through Jesus Christ, unto the glory and praise of God"(Philippians 1:9-11). Paul desired the brethren approve those things that are excellent. This word carries the idea of "a throwing beyond"(Vine). Paul wanted them to support(approve) what would enrich their lives and their faith and take them beyond the ordinary. At the same time, he wanted them to disapprove that which would destroy their faith(Philippians 3:2). Through their lives and faith they would communicate those things they approve or disapprove. So it is in our day. What we give our consent to believe and practice as well as what we oppose sends a message to those whom we contact. The effectiveness of our influence is determined in our acceptance or rejection of what is taught in the word of God. Our neighbors observe it; our family know it; and, yes, even our enemies will be aware what we approve or disapprove. May we communicate only the dedicated life of a Christian to those with whom we come in contact.