Translating a World on the Edge

A human characteristic is the ability to speak, to converse, to give instruction, to make our opinions known. We talk. We use our tongues–sometimes without thinking, and sometimes very intentionally.

Our speech is directed to another, a listener. The listener may be a child, a friend, a family member, or a stranger in the grocery store. Regardless of who or where, what we say to each other matters. Speech is a gift to be used with care. I would suggest loving care, though I’m often guilty of overlooking that.

Are you certain what you say is the Truth? If you are not certain, then Do Not Speak. That’s more than just common sense, it’s a  human being’s responsibility toward others.

But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment.  For by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned.” — Matthew 12:36

Wow! That’s a lot of personal responsibility.

Yet what we say to each other is not always done with words. Our actions speak for us as well.  How do our actions speak to our vulnerable children, or the friends and family who learn from us? Aren’t we especially responsible for our actions as parents and teachers, leaders and co-workers? Do we practice what we preach? Again, many of us often fall far short of that. It’s a good thing we have personal control over what we do, and if needed, the ability to correct ourselves.

There are times though, when we’re not the ‘speakers’ or the ‘doers,’ but the receivers, the targets of speech and action. Over this, we have little control, and no doubt the voices and actions are loud from those with agendas which they will lie to preserve. This includes the news media, and of course, politicians. If they are liars, are they worthy of their high positions?

The new media and politicians are made up of individuals like us. Are these individuals any less responsible than us for what they say in today’s world? Shouldn’t they be TRUTHFUL? Don’t they, too, have the ability to correct themselves? Or have the two prime motivators for LYING — greed and power — overtaken them completely?

Words and actions by those in prominent places can make or break this country. Will the words and actions they use as weapons against others be ignored, or inevitably condemned by those they are supposed to serve?

Beware. The devil, the most famous liar, is on our doorstep now.

He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks out of his own character, for he is a liar and the father of lies.  — John 8:44

Our leaders ought to be telling us the Truth, yet a majority of those in charge are not.  And if we do not challenge them, we will lose our American way of life. A serious danger. Really serious.