Confessions of a Wannabe Philosopher...

Something I've realized lately is that words are very powerful. I've heard all my life that "actions speak louder than words," but that doesn't give them any less significance. Words can utterly destroy someone. That is why a restraint on gossip is so needed, but that is another blog for another time. Proverbs 10 reminds us that words have tremendous power to raise or sink the spirits of the people around us.

This past semester at Navigators we studied Ephesians. And the verse that just slapped me upside the head was Eph. 4:29 "Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouth, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen." Now, I don't know about you, but I like to talk... A LOT. Those who don't know me think I'm quiet. Those that do wish I was. My poor roommate puts up with so much of my babble she should be given a purple heart. But the part that got me was, "only what is helpful for building others up..." It made me think. How would my relationship with people change if the only words I said to them were uplifting and encouraging?

Because here's the thing about encouragement- we all need it. And you never know how deeply what you say can affect someone. Just look at Barnabus. Now, if you haven't read up on your Bible trivia Barnabus' name means son of encouragement. And that's exactly what he was. Read Acts 9. After Saul's conversion "at once he began to preach in the synagogues that Jesus is the Son of God"(vs 20). This is a man who had completely turned his life around. He was on fire. He was ready to go! So, what does he do? Paul travels to Jerusalem and tries to join the disciples. I mean, what better way to preach than with those chosen by Jesus Christ himself right?

But here's the end of the anecdote, they didn't believe him (vs 26). In fact, they were afraid of him, acting like he was a spy or something. Talk about rejection. That's got to put you down in the dumps! But we've all had moments like this. We've all had those times where we get excited and we hope, and then we get disappointed. And it's during these times that we find ourselves questioning whether we were ever on the right path to begin with.

These thoughts and doubts can turn to ruin if they go unchecked. I mean, think of what was going through Paul's mind. But God sent Barnabus. "And Barnabus took him and brought him to the apostles. He told them how Saul on his journey had seen the Lord and that the Lord had spoken to him, and how in Damascus he had preached fearlessly in the name of Jesus." (vs 27) Not only does Barnabus intercede on Paul's behalf, but he also brags on him a little.

And Barnabus also a few chapters later defends John Mark to Paul (Acts 16:36-41). Paul had been questioning John Mark's committment, but Barnabus stood up and said, "Hey, give him a chance, he can do it!"

We need someone who stands up and intercedes on our behalf. And thank God we have Christ! "Who is he that condemns? Christ Jesus, who died--more than that, who was raised to life--is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us." (Romans 8:34). But just because Christ is the ultimate example does not mean that in our pursuit of being like Him we get to be lazy.

Think of what could have happened to Paul if Barnabus had not said anything! Think of where John Mark would have ended up! Would we even have half of the New Testament Books?

It should seem obvious by now that the world likes to beat people down. All through school we wonder am I good enough? Am I smart enough? Can I really do this? Can I pursue my dream? Will I be successful? What if I'm not? What if I fail? And this is just one example. There are thousands more! We need that encouragement. We need someone to come along side us and say "Hey look, the only one right now that thinks you can't do it is you, because I know you can."

A great philosopher named Plato once said, "Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle." And that's the simple fact of it. We need each other. We need someone to say something uplifting. Think about how much it changes your mood when someone simply compliments you. It kind of makes your day. At the very least it makes you smile. And you know what, the blessing goes both ways. Because when you encourage others, it makes you feel good too. You feel like you make a difference. Doing good for people really does make ou happy. Don't believe me, try it out for yourself. Why is this so? Because that's what we were created to do, and we know that our Father's pleased with us.

Don't be afraid to encourage. You never know when it just might make the battle sway the other way. And what better and more powerful words are there, than those that lift someone up? You're going to be remembered for something you say. Might as well make it good.

"And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching." (Hebrews 10:24-25)