We are told that on average, we speak around 15,000 words per day. I assume that during this time of disconnect on our world, many of those words are transmitted electronically as opposed to orally. However, my purpose in bringing this up is still valid. If we are spending this much time in communication with others, we should probably be more conscious of what we are communicating and maybe even a bit more cautious in assuring our words are clearly saying what we want them to say. As men, and particularly men who desire to pursue and honor God, this is especially important.
God addresses this essential truth in James 3:5-6, when he says, “Likewise the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts. Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark. 6The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole person, sets the whole course of his life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell.” This highlights the danger of misspoken or intentionally hurtful words. The damage to our wives, children, co-workers, and others can often last a lifetime.
However, words can also provide great benefit. Knowing this, God has declared that most powerful means of revealing himself to us is through THE WORD! In the Gospel of John 1:1-2 & 14, we read, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2He was with God in the beginning. 14The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.” This is the most important Christmas “story” recorded in Scripture. It does not just tell us how Jesus came; it reveals the foundation of why Jesus came.
Notice the similarity to Genesis 1:1, “In the beginning, God…” with John 1:1, “In the beginning was the Word…” This is revealing that the God of creation and the God of salvation are one. Jesus is God. This also reveals the specific purpose to be accomplished by Jesus, the Word, coming to earth. Just as the words we speak reveal what we think and who we are, the Word became flesh to reveal the essence of who God is. In Jesus, we see the character of God.
Now, back to us as men. I am going to address husbands and fathers specifically. I know some reading this may not fit these roles, but you may find help, nonetheless. As leaders of our home, we have an amazing opportunity to use our words to direct the lives and eternities of those God has placed in our care. During this Advent season, focus your words to your family on revealing the truth of who God is. Guard against words that harm and think through those words that will direct your family closer to our Lord and his offer of salvation. Ask God to protect your words and actions so that only those that are edifying are offered to those God gave you to love and protect.
In a very real sense, you can be an extension of the Word become flesh. Not that we are equal with Christ. But with a little effort and a lot of grace, we can show our families what Jesus looks like by exemplifying his character in our interactions.
This is not something we should focus on only during the Advent season but is what we are called to be as men of God. This is simply a good time to commit our focus and purpose to fulfilling this important call in our lives.