Without words, no matter the language spoken, humans would be unable to communicate effectively. Words are used for communication of all kinds in social settings, business and government, both written and spoken. Those words have meaning, which enables those who read and hear them to make some decision or opinion based on them.

In an Op Ed article in the Arkansas Democrat Gazette by Bradley Gitz, which appeared on Monday, January 6, he quoted the columnist Charles W. Cooke, who according to Gitz accurately noted the following, “Phil Robertson’s words quite literally affected nobody. They’re words.” Yes, words were used and they did affect somebody or a group of some bodies because of the furor that came over what Phil Robertson said. But the columnist was wrong when he claimed they were just words. They weren’t just words, but some very special words fitly spoken.

From the time of the creation to Jesus coming into the world, to the resurrection, to the day of Pentecost and beyond, words are the means that bring blessing or torment. For those who follow God, the words are blessing; for those who deny God they bring torment. What is the reason those words caused such turmoil and anguish? The words that Phil Robertson spoke were God’s words and that drove the point home that he was and is a follower of God who believes what God says is true.

During the time of Jesus to Pentecost and the years that followed, the message of salvation from sin was not well received by vast numbers of people. Jesus was hung on a cross because he pointed out sin. The apostles and other believers were persecuted and killed because they refused to obey the authorities when told to stop preaching the message. The unbelievers did not want to hear what the writer of Hebrews wrote in 4:12 For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. Those who claimed to know God were being told God knew their thoughts and intent; in other words they weren’t fooling God if they only said they believed when they actually didn’t. Jesus said of those who teach contrary to his word in Matthew 15:7-9 Ye hypocrites, well did Esaias prophesy of you, saying, 8 This people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth, and honoureth me with their lips; but their heart is far from me. 9 But in vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men. While those words were spoken to the people of that day, the principles contained therein apply. People, including some who are teachers of the Bible, are proclaiming that homosexuality is not sin but simply another way to live and should be accepted. Some are going to the extent that they claim it must be accepted and not to do so is somehow causing the homosexuals to be demeaned. It is the refusal to accept the behavior that is demeaning; it is the behavior that is demeaning to the individuals who practice the deviancy.

Paul told Timothy, Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine. 3 For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; 4 And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables. Preaching the word of God, the message of Jesus Christ, causes turmoil in the lives of those deliberately practicing sinful behavior. Note the word deliberately and explain how those behaviors that God says do not do can be done other than by doing them deliberately.

Words do have meaning and when God’s message is fitly spoken, they do affect those engaging in sinful conduct and do cause an eruption. The columnist who said that those words affected no one does not understand the power of words. God spoke and all kinds of things happened; and that speaking of words has affected all life forms ever since. Incidentally, his words caused this article to be written.

© 01-06-2014 DEC