Scripture
Our verse for today comes from Acts 14:1, “Now at Iconium they entered together into the Jewish synagogue and spoke in such a way that a great number of both Jews and Gentiles believed.”
Background
When I mention an auctioneer, one thing probably comes to mind – the way they speak. Theirs is such a unique style, incorporating speed, cadence, and content. And what sounds like gibberish to the casual listener actually has purpose and meaning. The auctioneer speaks in such a way to create a rhythm and tempo that almost compels the bidders to bid. A sense of comfort and expectation fills the auction hall, much like the effects of hearing just the right song, such that the back and forth between auctioneer and bidder becomes a sort of dance. And no time is wasted, either. An auctioneer usually has a great many items to sell, and those bidding want to be able to get through every item. And the more items sold, the more money in the owner’s and the auctioneer’s pockets. But auctioneers are not the only ones known for how they speak. In fact, your accent, your tone, and your general level of intensity, they all leave a lasting impression on those who ingest your words. You do, despite any claims to the contrary, speak in such a way that usually conveys it’s you.
Application
Now, countless words have been written on the power and impact of the words that we utter. Almost as many, I dare say, have been written about the effects of what we don’t say. Emphasis has been placed on how, when, and in what circumstance things are said, and why it’s sometimes best not to speak at all. We are all well-trained on the impressions we make and the influence we can have by the way we wield our words. So, at 30 or 50 or 70 years of age, what do we do if we dare to realize that we don’t always speak as we should? How do we get the Holy Spirit to tame what we nor any other man has tamed in a lifetime? I would say to pray and read the Bible more, but you already know that Sunday school answer. Fortunately, or unfortunately for some, it happens to be the only right answer. Nothing is more powerful, impactful, and life-changing than time with God. But, it’s time spent not doing other things. If you want to speak like an auctioneer, you put in the time to be one. If you want to speak like a child of God, you’ll have to put in that time as well.
Charge
As we seek Him today, give some thought as to the way in which you speak. It might make a bigger impression that you think.
