Words You Can Taste

I've been referring to my college classes a lot lately, and that is because so many things about my faith have been tested through it.  If you've ever been to a secular college, or even a "Christian" one, you might quickly realize that most, if not all, professors deny the God of the Bible, or any god (little "g!") really.  In a science class at Angelo State in my freshman year, a professor laughed heartily as he recounted his most recent encounter with a Christian student who went to his office with some concerns.  The student was questioning some data the prof had given to us over the decreasing frequency of natural disasters worldwide (I have honestly not done my research in this area, so I couldn't tell you the truth about them..and this was 6 years ago).  He wanted to know about the Bible's vindication concerning Matthew 24:7, which says, "Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be famines and earthquakes in various places."  But I think by mistake, the student asked about increasing frequency of tornadoes.  The professor, who didn't even know what the scripture reference said, just doubled over laughing in class as he ridiculed this student's question.  "Tornadoes?  Tornadoes?! Hahahaha...!! NO! The number of tornadoes has DECREASED over the last 100 years!! Oh my gosh...Christians..."  You cannot believe the adrenaline rush I had inside.  It took everything within me to not cry.  I looked over at my fellow classmates who were also Christians, and they were frozen solid, eyeballs about to pop out of their heads.  I sat there shaking, cold, angry, and hurt.


Six years later I'm back in school facing more frequent ridicule, and far more serious assaults on our holy God.  A "professing Christian" in a communications class authoritatively used the phrase "the myth of God."  And when I answered a question about perspectives, I used the first four gospels of the New Testament to explain the more complete picture created of Christ's life, but my professor ever-so-helpfully reminded me that "with religion, we are delving into tricky territory," because, you see, most of the world is not even Christian and of course, if you're a Christian, then of course the resurrection of Christ is absolute truth, but to most people it is not (this comment of hers had nothing to do with what I was talking about--the opportunity was used to ensure to the class that the gospels are not true--thankfully, no one responded to her comment).  My current class, "Mythology in Literature and Life," is even worse.  In both textbooks, all of Genesis and the first four gospels are unquestionably classified as myth.  I have to stomach reading the material to participate in informed discussions with my classmates, but I have already resolved to respectfully not acknowledge God, Jesus, or Scripture as "myth."


In dealing with such unbelievers and even misguided Christians, God has reminded me through His Word and other authors about the importance and necessity of seasoning my words with salt.  

"Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone. " ~Colossians 4:6

So what does salt do? 


Well, I thought of a list (maybe you can come up with a better one):
Salt...
Makes food taste better
Raises your blood pressure if you consume too much
Often contains "iodide, an essential nutrient," so the containers always say
Makes slugs shrivel up and die
Is found in oceans, seas, and a few lakes around the world
Is used as a catalyst in chemistry sometimes
Is something humans can't survive completely without
Makes Utah pretty


So...
My words should be seasoned with enough salt to taste good to others, but I shouldn't pour on too much or they might spit it out (or die..*wink*).  I should use just enough of it to speak life-giving words to the spiritually dead.  And I should put enough into my conversation so that my words might be a catalyst for something good.  I should not try to witness to a slug.  And when I need more salt, I should take a swim in the Gulf or visit the great state of Utah.

When I was tempted to respond to my professor's claim about the falsehood of the Bible, I prayed fervently and asked Austin for advice.  I had so many things I could have said!  I could have talked about the accuracy of the passing down of scripture from generation to generation.  I could have discussed how, if that is true (and she did believe there were some likely factual events in Scripture--just not all of it), the disciples were either completely off their rockers or were so convinced through firsthand eye witness that Christ rose from the dead and still lives, for them to peacefully allow other people to end their own lives.  I could have talked about all of the extra-Biblical, archaeological, and logical evidence that exists for Christ and for the whole Word.  BUT, I took the advice of my husband and Scripture and followed the leading of God through prayer to not respond, because any response I had to give might come across as disrespectful and argumentative since my class can neither hear my voice, see my face, or observe how I live (my classes are online, by the way).


"When words are many, sin is not absent, but he who holds his tongue is wise." ~Proverbs 10:19
"Wisdom is found on the lips of the discerning, but a rod is for the back of him who lacks judgment." ~Proverbs 10:13
"When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom." ~Proverbs 11:2
"The way of a fool seems right to him, but a wise man listens to advice." ~Proverbs 12:15
"A fool shows his annoyance at once, but a prudent man overlooks an insult." ~Proverbs 12:16
"A prudent man keeps his knowledge to himself, but the heart of a fool blurts out folly." ~Proverbs 12:23


[These are my memory verses for the week.  I realized how desperately I need to hide God's Word in my heart that I might not sin against Him! (see Psalm 119:11)]


But what if the time is right to say something in response?  After all, we are called to be bold in proclaiming the gospel of Christ.  Ephesians 6:19 says, "Pray also for me, that whenever I open my mouth, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel.." And of course, there is Colossians 4:6 as stated above.  It is so terribly important that you and I be prepared to give an answer for the hope that lies within us.  First Peter 3:15 tells us, "But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect.." Gentleness and respect.  Not out of anger or as a fool showing his "annoyance" at once.


Parents, are you thoroughly and daily equipping your children with the Word and wise counsel for the days they will encounter persecution and ridicule?  Are you teaching them to respond with gentleness and respect, seasoning their words with salt?

I don't have kids yet, and I am intimidated somewhat by training them up in the way they should go.  What if I set a bad example?  Oh, I do NOT want them to have my faults!! 

But I do want them to know the Bible and to know true love, that they might impart those things in the world when they go out into it.

~Grace and peace be with you~