Pastor’s Perspective 01-26-2021
It has been 29 years since the Army sent me to Hawaii for a three-year tour with the 25th Infantry Division. All of the chaplains in the Division were tasked with something I have never seen done before or since. Preparing daily devotional thoughts for one week for the three General Officers in charge of the Division. I was a Captain at the time. Five pay grades below the Commanding General. Needless to say, I spent an incredible amount of time thinking about what to say and how to say it. I remember writing one of those devotions on the power and importance of our words. And Jesus’ warning in Matthew 12 that we will all have to give an account on the Day of Judgment for every careless word we have spoken.
I have always been aware of the power of a person’s words. James talks about the power of the tongue to do both wonderful things and equally destructive things. Paul instructs us to not let any unwholesome talk come out of our mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. It is this powerfully beneficial purpose of our words that is on my heart and mind today. I know the power of my dad’s words to me through the years. I am keenly aware of the power my words still hold for our three adult children. And I know my grandchildren are being profoundly shaped by the words of their parents. What power we all have to make a difference in someone’s life with our words!
I have a unique request along those lines. COVID has forced us to do many things differently than before. Our upcoming deacon ordination on February 7th is no exception. One of the most powerful and memorable moments of an ordination is the laying on of hands during which individuals quietly speak words of blessing into the ears of those being ordained. We will not be able to do the traditional laying on of hands for Carolyn Cannady, Paige Krauss and Buck Walker this year. We will instead present each of them with a stack of cards/letters/notes containing written words of blessing to them during both worship services that morning. You may bring your words of blessing to the church office anytime or to either worship service that morning. Thank you in advance for helping us bless our new deacons!
See you Sunday! ~ John