Do you enjoy words and language? I have always had a love affair with language. As a preschooler, I could spell “hippopotamus” and “Mississippi.” My sister and I would hear common words as if they were from another planet, all sound and no meaning, and bust out laughing. “people.” “people.” Don’t process it, just hear it. “people.” It’s funny. I think we anticipated Neil Simon’s routine in “The Sunshine Boys,” where the old vaudevillian talks about word choice and comedy …
“Fifty-seven years in this business, you learn a few things. You know what words are funny and which words are not funny. Alka Seltzer is funny. You say "Alka Seltzer" you get a laugh . . . Words with "k" in them are funny. Casey Stengel, that's a funny name. Robert Taylor is not funny. Cupcake is funny. Tomato is not funny. Cookie is funny. Cucumber is funny. Car keys. Cleveland . . . Cleveland is funny. Maryland is not funny.”
Some words aren’t funny, they’re just fun to say. You know what the technical name for vitamin B12 is? Cyanocobalamin. That is a fun word to say. Try it … sigh-Anna-co-BALa-mean.
Words and language became an issue in the early church. Paul describes a practice among the Corinthians where they would “speak to God in mysteries with their spirit.” These mysteries came out as “prayers and songs.” Paul indicates that this “speaking in tongues” is language directed to God and unintelligible to everyone else. He does not anathematize the practice (how’s that for a word), “I would like every one of you to speak in tongues …,” but he does put it clearly in its place. The value of speaking words that are clear and constructive, building up the hearers, is by far more desirable in the church. If you want to pray and sing to God, by all means do so. Even if those means are mysterious and spiritual. But understand - that will only edify the self. Words and language are primarily to be used for edifying others. This is a continuation of Paul’s emphasis in the previous two chapters about Christ’s followers being other-oriented.
How can I strengthen, encourage and comfort you? How can I inform, instruct and unveil God’s Word to you? How can I sound a clear call to spiritual battle for you? How can I pray with a fruitful mind as well as a fruitful spirit? By speaking in plain and understandable language.
Paul says, “try to excel in gifts that build up the church.” Don’t use words as ambiance, incense, soundtrack. Use words like vitamins. Give me something simple. Give me something easy to swallow. Build me up with something nutritious. Give me some spiritual cyanocobalamin! (Sorry, couldn’t help myself.)
Pray: God of all knowledge and all people, you understand us no matter how we communicate. We can groan in your direction and you get it. But Lord, the rest of us are not so brilliant. Help us to communicate in ways that draw attention to You, and declare Your goodness, love and mercy. Help us make the gospel clear and relevant to every people group in every generation. Surely, your Spirit prefers to empower this.
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