Last night I listened to the second Presidential debate. What I heard was a candidate who said, "It's only words, folks. . . . Locker Room Talk." Only words? Really?
I am concerned because words evoke actions. "Out of the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaks." (Luke 6:45) Rhetoric that diminishes and demeans others is real; it is powerful, world-wrecking words. Words can wound. Words can break another human being's spirit. Words can injure others for a lifetime. Words can cause others to act out in harmful ways toward themselves or others.
The old adage about "Sticks and stones breaking bones, but words never harming" is wrong. Words can be weapons that destroy others. I think of the cyber bullying that causes children to hate themselves. I think of parents who provoke their children to anger and prejudice that endure for generations. Words can build up; words can break down.
This is particularly important because at the center of the Christian faith is a God who speaks. The speaking of God creates the cosmos . . . the universe . . . God's good earth and all that is in it. God's creative word and breath shape human beings in God's own image, giving them the capacity to communicate, to feel, and to love. We believe that in Jesus the Word became flesh, revealing the glory of God in the darkest days of our living and our dying.
Integrity means that our words and our acts are in sync. Our yes is yes. Our no is no. Our faith and ethics are one. We can be counted on to speak the truth in love and to be loving people, who build up and respect all others.
I write this not from a place of superiority, for there have been times throughout my life when my words and my deeds have not been well connected. Even so, the lessons learned through self-reflection have been sources of growth, and my spirit has been enlarged through honest encounters with others.
May God have mercy upon us, our leaders, and our role models. May our words and our deeds bring glory to God whether we are in pulpits or church pews, board rooms or locker rooms. May God guide us in paths of justice, care, and love. May it be so!
I am concerned because words evoke actions. "Out of the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaks." (Luke 6:45) Rhetoric that diminishes and demeans others is real; it is powerful, world-wrecking words. Words can wound. Words can break another human being's spirit. Words can injure others for a lifetime. Words can cause others to act out in harmful ways toward themselves or others.
The old adage about "Sticks and stones breaking bones, but words never harming" is wrong. Words can be weapons that destroy others. I think of the cyber bullying that causes children to hate themselves. I think of parents who provoke their children to anger and prejudice that endure for generations. Words can build up; words can break down.
This is particularly important because at the center of the Christian faith is a God who speaks. The speaking of God creates the cosmos . . . the universe . . . God's good earth and all that is in it. God's creative word and breath shape human beings in God's own image, giving them the capacity to communicate, to feel, and to love. We believe that in Jesus the Word became flesh, revealing the glory of God in the darkest days of our living and our dying.
Integrity means that our words and our acts are in sync. Our yes is yes. Our no is no. Our faith and ethics are one. We can be counted on to speak the truth in love and to be loving people, who build up and respect all others.
I write this not from a place of superiority, for there have been times throughout my life when my words and my deeds have not been well connected. Even so, the lessons learned through self-reflection have been sources of growth, and my spirit has been enlarged through honest encounters with others.
May God have mercy upon us, our leaders, and our role models. May our words and our deeds bring glory to God whether we are in pulpits or church pews, board rooms or locker rooms. May God guide us in paths of justice, care, and love. May it be so!
