Words Are Important, But…
Many years ago, I received a degree in Communication from Southern Illinois University. My minor was in English, and so as you might have guessed, I have always been interested in communicating. I taught basic speech and English on the High School and Junior College level for several years, and I loved it.
One of the lessons I learned, which has not changed these many years later, is that words are important. We use them to express what we want others to know about us or some subject we may be discussing. I always taught that it was important to think before you speak and make sure that the words you use are really what you want to express.
When words are expressed along with facial expressions, inflection, volume, and tone of voice, they can be more clearly understood as far as meaning is concerned. Communicating with someone is much more than just the words we use, and yet many today use means of communicating that are devoid of all of those other determining factors.
Social media – texts, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and any number of other means – has completely changed the way we communicate. We used to use our mouths and the sound of our voice to give a message that could be heard and understood by the listener. Now we use our fingers on a keyboard to express our thoughts and feelings. If the recipient can read, he/she will receive the message of words…but not truly know what you meant by what you typed. Or maybe they will assume some message you never really meant to send. You see, they can’t see or hear how you are expressing those thoughts. Oh, occasionally, it is clear what a person thought by the words they used and the capital letters and exclamation marks used, but the heart of the matter is missing when I can’t see you expressing your words.
And then there is that huge matter of sending out messages on social media aimed at someone, but knowing that hundreds (thousands?) of others will see what you have communicated. Many people will be drawn into a discussion that has nothing to do with them. They see your words, but they have to assume your tone of voice, facial expression, volume, and inflection. Lots of people thrive on just such situations, and I believe it is safe to say that the cause of Christ is never uplifted by such talk.
In studying for a lesson I am to present in September, I came across this passage directed to those who profess to live the Christian life:
Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear.” It goes on to say, “Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.
(Ephesians 4:29, 31-32)
Words are important, but how and when and where we use those words is even more important.
“Angry words are lightly spoken, Bitterest thoughts are rashly stirred, Brightest links of life are broken by a single angry word.” -Heratio R. Palmer, 1867
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AUTHOR: Donna Faughn
