Wes King crafted his song Sticks and Stones to unravel the childhood saying, “Sticks and stones will break my bones, but names will never hurt me!” While the originator of this expression was likely attempting to encourage young people to develop “thick skin” toward words, King uses a biblical approach to form his lyrics. Quoting James 3:1-12, this skilled writer exposes the dangers words can have on your soul. The group Fan Mail take words one step further in their song Messed Up, claiming “we all get away with murder, the things that we say could kill!”
Whether you agree with these artists or not, words just don’t roll off people’s shoulders, dropping to the ground void of any damage, harm or pain. In fact, like a feeding frenzy, words can cause an adrenaline rush in which you can get caught up in. The urge to throw someone under the bus, gossip about someone you don’t like or trash someone with the rest of your friends is difficult to resist. At a recent party, God convicted me of the very thing that I despise, taking the easy road with cheap and low blows by opening my mouth.
The term class is dying breed, a lost art in this age of Facebook, Twitter and instant messages. Instead of following the Matthew 18:15-20 principle, most wimp out, hanging their dirty language out in the open for all to see. Whether you like Andy Reid or not, former NFL head coach of the Philadelphia Eagles for 14 seasons, he consistently protected his players during post-game press conferences even if some played like dogs. Thus, its time for me and others in the body of Christ to grow up spiritually. Join me in my quest during 2013 to take the high road, declining to focus on the negative by dwelling on wholesome words which are helpful in building up others, Ephesians 4:29-30.
by Jay Mankus
ExpressYourself4Him 