Jen’s Gem: Speak one language to get the results you want.

In my younger days, I was fairly fluent in four languages.  I spoke English and Spanish. I was able to write in Gregg shorthand and I played the piano. Now, you may not think all of these are “languages,” but I beg to differ.

One of the definitions of language is “a systematic means of communicating ideas or feelings by the use of conventionalized signs, sounds, gestures, or marks having understood meanings.” (Merriam-Webster)

Each of my languages meets these criteria.  By speaking, I was able to evoke a feeling in another person or cause them to act in a way that was clearly understood. By writing shorthand, I used marks that could be translated into words. By playing the piano, I created sounds that when played together formed a chord, arpeggio, or sonata.

Each had a purpose. Each had a clear and desired result.

If I really think about it, I could even stretch my linguistic talents to include the COBOL and Fortran computer programs I wrote in college. However, since I did not do too well in those courses, I was far from fluent. Also, the code I wrote did not meet one of the criteria mentioned above since it did not have an “understood meaning” by the computer nor sadly, my professors.

With the exception of computer programming, I excelled at the other languages. Perhaps because I am blessed with the gift of communication, they came easy to me. I’ve recently discovered however, that I may have picked up another language through the years. You may know it as well.

It’s called “double-talk.” Let’s see what Merriam-Webster has to say about this definition:

“A language that appears to be earnest and meaningful but in fact is a mixture of sense and nonsense.”

As I continue my Bible study, it has become increasingly clear to me that God is not a fan of double talk or worse, double-mindedness. In Ephesians 4:29, Paul advises the church:

“Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear.”

It occurred to me this week that in order to be successful in my relationship with God and others that I need to watch my words. I cannot vacillate between two or more points of view, beliefs, or actions. I cannot declare one thing today and then nix it the next because of fear or wavering faith.

Here’s an example or two that may clarify this point:

Let’s say you are praying for healing in some area of your life, whether it be your health, your job, or something else. You cannot simultaneously also be worried about it. You cannot speak to others about how bad things are and that you “hope” it’ll all work out.

Or perhaps you are asking God to help you with a big decision, but yet instead of waiting on His answer, you ask a thousand people their opinions and then go with their counsel instead of His.

I’m not suggesting that we shouldn’t seek out counsel of others or that we should not talk about the concerns of our everyday lives. But if we want to see victory in these areas, we have to use our voices to communicate the positive outcomes we desire.

This is more than “positive thinking.” This is aligning ourselves with how God sees each of these situations and what His will is for the end result. Does God want you to be healed? Does He want you to find a great job? Does He want you to be debt-free? Well, of course He does! God did not create us for failure. He created us for success!

His Word clearly states that you cannot be faith-filled and fear-filled at the same time. You cannot be pitiful and powerful. You have to pick a side. God does not like lukewarm. Either be hot or be cold, but don’t be a Charlie Brown. Don’t be wishy-washy.

The Lord’s Prayer says “your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.” When we align our words and actions with God’s will for us , what He thinks of us, what His plans are for us ((how it already is in heaven), miracles happen. But when we fall into double-talk, double-mindedness, we short-circuit those miracles.

This week, I’d like to encourage you to speak one language – the language of faith. Speak the words God speaks about you and your life. If you do, I guarantee that there will be no miscommunication.