Say And See Good

I heard it said of a pastor very recently in an interview and I haven’t stopped thinking about it since.  He was asked how it was that he was able to preserve high integrity in his life where he never spoke one ill word about another person.  In speaking to scores of other people regarding his character, they learned that it was the one amazing trait he had maintained through the years, and was highly honored for this unnatural ability, especially of others in leadership and specifically of those who were known to have disrespected him in speech throughout his pastoral life.  In response to the question he said this, “Because I fear God in them too much.”

Understanding that we are “ALL” made in the image of God, his conviction stayed steady all these years: to blaspheme another, was, indeed, to blaspheme God.

Scripture tells us that we are, “fearfully and wonderfully made.” (Ps 139:14)
And I wonder, could the real reason we cannot honor others well is because we actually hold no real “fear of God” in them?  That we don’t, or simply can’t see them, “made in the image of God” Himself, and so of course, because we don’t see that about them, we can’t experience fear inside of us that allows us to possess that “awe and wonder.” (see Ps 33:8)

I was reading a commentary recently that stopped me in my tracks.  While it’s reference is on the Christian minister, I would consider just how applicable it could be to national leaders, local dignitary’s, and social influencers… perhaps those, even, to whom we strongly disagree or disapprove.  The commentator says this, “It is a great evil to blast the reputation of Christian ministers, for it undermines their influence to do good.”

Could the same be said of any “leader?”
Take a look at the word “undermine.”  It’s interesting to note it means this = “to injure or destroy by insidious activity, to attack by indirect means, secret or underhanded means, to weaken or cause to collapse as digging away the foundation.”

And so I wonder.
Are we doing those things when we disrespect and dishonor those in political power?
Are we doing those things when we disrespect and dishonor those who are on the front lines making major decisions that affect our lives?  The ones who’ve been appointed by God for “such a time as this” regardless of our estimation of their worthiness?

Could it be that we bring injury to our own living conditions; that we destroy any hope for a more promising future; that we, by our insidious behavior, secretly weaken the atmospheric conditions of our world; that we undermine their influence to DO any amount of good?  Couldn't our good “expectations” of the God in them… the God who made them, too, “fearfully” and “wonderfully”… create an increase of good activity?

It can be said of our children, when they are young, that they become what their parents believe they can be.  And that the actions we see in them as they mature are simply a direct result of the words spoken to them and about them growing up.

Friends.. our leaders need the influence of the Lord (by our speech in reputation and in prayer).  When we accuse them, scold them, ridicule them, mock them… we find ourselves in opposition to God Himself.  I heard it said once before this way, “We are not the accuser, nor can we be related to the accuser.”

We’ve gotta get better.
Our world doesn’t change until we change.
And those of us who are Christ followers are called to follow Christ.  Imitate Jesus.
To bring heaven to this world until the atmosphere of heaven affects the atmosphere of our world.
How we speak matters so so so much more than we think.
We are bringing influence to our neighborhoods, schools, cities, communities, and country by reflecting the realities of an unseen world.  We are being afforded, every day, an opportunity to infuse joy and peace and love into conditions we’ve labeled as “hopeless” and “bleak.”

When we see them… do we see Him?  Regardless of our personal assessment, and suspicion, they are - as you are - fearfully and wonderfully made.  And you and I just might have what it takes to impact the landscape of tomorrow.

Speak good.  Be kind.  Leave judgement to Him.
And pray for them… not at them.
Say what you want to see and watch how God writes His beautiful story.  Nothing changes until those who love Him get this right.