In this fallen world, caused by our willful and blatant disobedience against our perfect Creator of Love, we put into motion devolution. Devolution is defined as the “descent or degeneration to a lower or worse state.”
Ever since the Garden of Eden, humankind has been constantly devolving. Such as: Check out the ages of the ancients compared to how long we now live, even in our pharmaceutical, scientific age. Methuselah lived to be 969 years old. (Side Note: If you do the math and carefully read the Scriptures, I believe he died in the flood.) I also believe, even though, we have gained enormous amounts of information and knowledge which grows exponentially day-by-day, it seems to me, we are much less intelligent than our ancestors. Look at the amazing things they accomplished. Sin devolves. Humankind is on a path of spiritual devolution not evolution.
As I ponder the state of our world and try to carefully observe with my head and heart, it seems quite evident, we are devolving in one of our most important, God-given, human traits, communication. In just a relatively short number of years we have gone from writing long letters, to emails, to texts, and now to the excessive usage of symbols and photographs. We are also losing the art of conversation and debate. It seems almost impossible to have a civil discussion on things about which we do not see eye-to-eye. In fact, many have even lost the vocabulary for expressing such things as anger, shock, surprise, and hatred. Words which could have been used are now reduced to the excessive and redundant use of the f-bomb. In fact, if it was not so sad and degrading, it is comical.
As Followers of Jesus how are we called to communicate? How are we called to converse with outsiders and each other? As born again, new creations in Christ, how are we to speak? Here are a few guidelines. The Bible has many, many more you should uncover for yourself:
steve
Ever since the Garden of Eden, humankind has been constantly devolving. Such as: Check out the ages of the ancients compared to how long we now live, even in our pharmaceutical, scientific age. Methuselah lived to be 969 years old. (Side Note: If you do the math and carefully read the Scriptures, I believe he died in the flood.) I also believe, even though, we have gained enormous amounts of information and knowledge which grows exponentially day-by-day, it seems to me, we are much less intelligent than our ancestors. Look at the amazing things they accomplished. Sin devolves. Humankind is on a path of spiritual devolution not evolution.
As I ponder the state of our world and try to carefully observe with my head and heart, it seems quite evident, we are devolving in one of our most important, God-given, human traits, communication. In just a relatively short number of years we have gone from writing long letters, to emails, to texts, and now to the excessive usage of symbols and photographs. We are also losing the art of conversation and debate. It seems almost impossible to have a civil discussion on things about which we do not see eye-to-eye. In fact, many have even lost the vocabulary for expressing such things as anger, shock, surprise, and hatred. Words which could have been used are now reduced to the excessive and redundant use of the f-bomb. In fact, if it was not so sad and degrading, it is comical.
As Followers of Jesus how are we called to communicate? How are we called to converse with outsiders and each other? As born again, new creations in Christ, how are we to speak? Here are a few guidelines. The Bible has many, many more you should uncover for yourself:
- Speak the truth in love. The truth without love is a hammer. Love without truth is weak. (Ephesians 4:15)
- Our words should be gracious and tasty. Stop communicating like you are better than others. Arrogance leaves a bitter taste. (Colossians 4:6)
- Some of the best communication is active listening. Stop over-talking and demanding to be heard. Stop getting so angry about everything. (James 1:19-20)
- Our speech should always reflect and honor Jesus. It should be gentle and respectful. In whatever words you use your conscious should always be clear. (1 Peter 3:15-16)
- Turn down the volume and the harsh, derogatory tone in your voice. (Proverbs 15:1)
- Really, truly listen, before you answer. (Proverbs 18:13, 17)
steve