Erik Freiburger, Faith and Life columnist
Edward Thorndike said that, “Colors fade, temples crumble, empires fall, but wise words endure.” I suppose in a lot of ways though we often tend to associate our words with our language but if we are willing to look at the course of human history it seems telling that language is only telling of the empire to which it subscribes and as such tends to break down in meaning and understanding as the powers that be do.
I guess I share that in light of an English as a Second Language group I just started in our Expressions Community. Words are powerful; especially when you consider that they have the ability to shape the way things are created and the way people and society’s live their lives (John 1:1- 3).
How then do we act as individuals with the responsibility to the words we speak or write? Do we acknowledge the authority to which we relate in our words?
I think in a lot of ways, no matter what language they are expressed in, words are only as authoritative as the truth to which we are willing to give them. This can be a problem because if we believe in a truth which is only subjective and can change depending on the context, people, or time; then its authority is meaningless and like Thorndike’s earlier statement reveals the radical fall they will take.
No, truth is something more. Jesus said, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” (John 14:6) In this sense truth is an objective and something we can only relate to through a personal connective relationship.
This can be challenging and at times hard to understand. But I think that is the point; the words we share are more then the language we speak them in. They are in all the ways we reach out to one another in the attempt for relational connection and communication.
Perhaps for you and in my belief it is the same for God and his desire to speak words of truth to and for you. Amos Bronson Alcott said, “Yet the deepest truths are best read between the lines, and, for the most part, refuse to be written.”
It was this past weekend that I began to reflect on and realize that this would be my final article for SE Calgary News. My friend and colleague Rick Bayer will be returning from his sabbatical next week with no doubt many stories to tell and great truth’s to share. I am eager for his return so I too can hear of his encounters and thoughts.
Yet I wonder, does my lexis bring truth to life? Have I given meaning to the relational outreaching hand of God through the stories I share and the thoughts I impart? Do my words have purpose?
It is my hope that they do and that in all things together we seek expressions of Jesus as Lord in life and community. So my last word for you is just that; seek the truth, live abundantly, and in all things you will be free! (John 8:31-32)
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