Words Of Infamy

What it would be like to have to live with the stigma of being a negative influence?  While this would be tough if our legacy was known only to our friends and family; what would it be like to have it recorded throughout history?  Such is the fate of Hymenaeus and Philetus.  These two individuals have the distinction of being infamous – not necessarily because of what they did; rather, for what they said.  The Apostle Paul warns Timothy, “… avoid worldly and empty chatter, for it will lead to further ungodliness, and their talk will spread like gangrene. Among them are Hymenaeus and Philetus, men who have gone astray from the truth saying that the resurrection has already taken place, and they upset the faith of some.”  (II Timothy 2:16-18).  As I reflected on these two, I found myself more drawn to the warning issued to Timothy than I was in their condemnation.  Paul is straightforward in his opinion of Hymenaeus and Philetus; but, he takes the opportunity to caution the young minister about his need to avoid worldly and empty chatter (or as the New International Version translates it, “godless chatter”). 

Paul’s phraseology reminds me of a pressing issue in today’s society – words that are either meaningless or are useless.  We live in an era that discusses few things of importance and that speaks volumes about our focus.   We talk a lot; but, we don’t say much.  Do we find ourselves being templated to involve ourselves in worldly and empty chatter?  If so, here are a few filters that might help us elevate the content of our discussions:

Our words should serve a purpose.  Before we enter into any conversation we should ask, “Is this discussion worth our time?” then, if it is, the follow-up question should be, “Do I have something to say that would add anything to what has already been said?”.   A purposeful message can breathe life into a conversation while irrelevant or repetitious observations are likely to be perceived as nothing more than hot air.

Our words must be accurate.  Guessing, speculation and out-and-out lies do nothing to promote godliness.  In fact, they may be the primary definition of “worldly and empty chatter”.  Before we add our two-cents we’d better make sure our input is accurate beyond the shadow of a doubt. 

Our words should uplift.  Just because something is true doesn’t mean that we have carte blanche to say it.  Sure, there are times when we may have to say things that people don’t like; but, even when the message is negative the spirit should be positive.  Effective communicators leave people with hope.

Our words should bring honor and glory to God.  Would we discuss the same topics and use same the tone if Our Father was sitting right beside us?  The truth is that He hears everything we discuss and reads everything we post on Facebook.  


How will the world remember our conversations?  How will God judge our conversations?

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