What!?

My iPhone is called a “Smartphone.” I beg to differ. I call it a “Smartypants” phone. 1) When I get a call from a number not in my contacts, usually it instantly tosses the call to Voicemail. That could be a good thing. Not so much when I’m waiting for a healthcare or Social Security follow up call; typically these come without the necessary Caller ID number—then I have to go through their call tree (delay-delay) again. 2) My iPhone text/email feature has an especially annoying “Autocorrect.” I’m sure you are familiar with the feature; here’s sample I found online of what autocorrect did to a Text message:

Boy 1: How was the date?
Boy 2: Not that great. First date we went to dinner and then I killed her in the woods outside her house and left
Boy 1: Killing her seems a bit harsh.
Boy 2: KISSED! KISSED!

Autocorrect is a graphic reminder that words can tangle and tear. You’ve heard the old aphorism, ‘Sticks and stones will break my bones, but words will never harm me’. Apparently this version originated in March 1862 in an American periodical, The Christian Recorder, with a largely African-American audience. We are learning that “Sticks and stones” can and do hurt. Think Bullying. Note the seemingly pervasive occurrence of bullying these days; words cut, but the bleeding is not only blood—it goes deeper. The Wisdom Literature in the Old Testament gives clear instructions for speaking and listening. Mostly we don’t do enough of the latter.

The Epistle of James names and blames “the tongue” for all manner of mischief. Of course the tongue with its words can and often does bless; but the warning from James is this—words can become sticks and stones, and damage results. There was a time in the final days of Jesus’ life where words were devastating for him. We will never know if Jesus’ outcome of would have been different if Simon Peter had spoken differently. But we do know that his words greased the skids for Jesus’ execution on the following day.

I think of at least three occasions in the Bible where appropriate words of assistance were used; urgent messages communicated significant positive outcomes. The first is Moses. (Read Genesis, chapter 3 for background). God had a global Paradigm shift in mind. Moses said he couldn’t answer God’s call because he had a speech impediment. God said, “I have a translator for you! (RWV–Revised Willis Version). And it worked. Mightily. Appropriate words matter.

I think of Gideon. God’s messenger met with Gideon to assign a tall, terrifying task: to save Israel from the marauding Midianites! Gideon protested. Repeatedly. But Gideon heard encouraging words. He heard clear commands. He heard words that worked their way into his very soul. Instead of hiding, as he had been doing, he rose to the responsibilities, and carefully chose a cadre of able men; following the Lord’s lead, Gideon and his men conquered the Midianites! .

Then, there’s that interesting interlude on the Roman highway; After the disciples had quite a successful preaching mission on their way to Jerusalem, God intervened. Phillip was culled out of that group and sent South. He had barely gotten into the line of traffic when he saw someone in a chariot, trying to read Scripture. He pulled over and asked the man if he understood what he was reading? The man didn’t understand the words. Turns out, the man, bewildered by the text, was the Treasurer of the queen of the Ethiopians. As Phillip was able to interpret the text (words, again) it opened up a galaxy of opportunity for the early Christian Movement to spread.

While a Smartypants phone and its Autocorrect can be annoying, if not sometimes embarrassing or stultifying, it can be a useful tool of communication. It just requires careful use of, and attention to—-words.

Now you know!