Words, Words, Words

In a scene in Hamlet, (Bill Shakespeare), one of the characters asks Hamlet what he is reading. Hamlet replies, quite humorously, "Words, words, words." Now I'm not a Shakespeare scholar and I don't know the deep significance of the scene. That's not the point. However, Hamlet's funny response is a means for me to segue, (segway), into today's blog about Words, words, and words.

It is easy to say things like, "I'm all about Jesus," "I love Jesus," "I'm devoted to Christ," or "I believe in Jesus." But the importance of words and meanings becomes very important here. What do we/they mean by the word "Jesus"? Do we mean a nice guy, a spiritual man, a lover of the poor, a socialist, a revolutionary, or a forgiver of sins to all mankind, regardless of repentance and faith? To many, when they say "Jesus" they are thinking of one of the men I just mentioned. To far fewer does "Jesus" imply the savior of those who trust him, the savior from sins, the savior by faith alone.

We must be careful about our words and be clear about our meaning. Because many will argue that Jesus Christ was a great man, a friend to others, and an example to follow. But far fewer will submit that he is the Son of God, God incarnate, and the Savior of sinners by faith.

Words, words, words are important. Be careful when you use words of what you mean and be careful when you hear words that you understand what others mean.