Seems like there is more chatter than ever before! Plenty of noise; lots of confusion. Isn’t it amazing that with all the resources available for communicating that communication is one of the most perplexing elements of life? One could argue that everyone is talking, but very few people are making sense. Compare comments on social media about masks and one wonders what words to believe and what words are without merit at all.
Besides chatter, very few people are speaking words that are blessing. Rather, it appears that words do more to divide and enrage. Most words are used in an attempt to grab power for one’s own interests rather than to affirm and support our neighbor. Think for a moment of all the words being used which are intolerant of God’s Law. Words that divide races. Words that divide families. Words that question the truth of marriage. Words that place other things and people above God.
Of course, without hearing God’s Words, one can’t even comprehend the need for God’s good news of life and salvation in Christ alone. Words matter, and it is only the Word from God that can save and give life.
What are other words that could be incorporated into the curriculum of a Lutheran school?
Words of direction for parents to be parents. As an example, share family stories. “And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise. You shall bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes. You shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates.” (Deuteronomy 6:6-9). Faith stories are especially important to share- include baptisms, confirmations, and weddings- even as this command from God expects His story to be told.
Words that teach ethics and morality. Teach about life issues (Psalm 139). Teach about the gift of marriage. God’s word is certain on the importance of the institution of marriage. It’s the very picture of marriage that Paul uses to show Christ’s relationship with His Church! We need to get this right! Also, teach about the care of one’s body. It’s the temple of the Holy Spirit. One’s body is often neglected as God’s gift and is frequently self-served.
Words that empower the lonely and despaired. Newness in life is celebrated every day as we remember our baptism. Baptism life means a new day and clean slate- every day. Also, God’s people are chosen for His purpose. “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope” (Jeremiah 29:11).
And finally, share words that are unchanging. Share words that remind us to look to Jesus for all we need in this world. Jesus does not change. “Jesus is the same, yesterday, today and forever” (Hebrews 13:8). Remember also that as we turn to Jesus, we accept that His perspective is eternal. “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God“ (John 1:1).
