Watch What You Say

Put some “spect” on it!

If we are to be a holy people, our language about God should represent His uniqueness.

When God declares His own name (Ex.3:14 — YHWH), He identifies Himself as infinitely perfect and self-sufficient. His name and character are at stake, both in respect to His actions and how His people represent Him. So, how we speak about God is a direct reflection of His character.

Don’t speak what you don’t know.

The third command clings tightly to the second — we can neither make nor say what we want about God. God is who He has revealed Himself to be. Don’t speak for Him when He has not spoken that way of Himself. We have no right to redefine Him, not in carved images nor by spoken word.

So, for instance, if God says He parted the Red Sea, don’t look for a natural way to explain it. If God hates sin, don’t dismiss it. What God says about Himself, embrace it.

Beware of the bumper stickers!

No, God is not your co-pilot, your life-artist, your coach or therapist. Jesus isn’t your homeboy.

In an attempt to make God palatable to unbelievers, we are diminishing the true nature of God and His holiness.

You sing what, now?!

Superficial worship is corporate profaning God’s name. What we sing matters! There’s a generation of church folks raised on the theological triteness of “Do Lord, O Do Lord, O Do remember me.” Quick question — does God forget?

But along the same lines, beware of a “worship” song that keys more on emotional response than declaring truth!

While Scripture offers no take on worship styles (though it does say to praise Him with numerous instruments!), it says a lot about the name of God and the necessary ways we are to approach His throne.

Be careful little lips what you say.

Don’t speak for God when He has not spoken, things like Job’s friends.