“The wise are known for their understanding, and instruction is appreciated if it’s well presented” (Proverbs 16:21 NLT).
I’m in the process of learning a new language. No, I’ve no plans for travel in the near future, no missions trips planned I’m aware of, no new people in my neighborhood who speak a foreign language and I’m not on a self-improvement whim —well, maybe.
It’s not Chinese or French I’m hoping to grasp, though they may be easier for me to learn than what I’ve set as a goal. It’s not Italian or Russian I’m hoping to speak one day with fluency. My few years of high school Spanish are of little to no help in this new project.
You see, I’m learning to speak with godliness.
I’m wanting to present God in every syllable spoken by this unruly tongue. I’m hoping to glorify my Savior with every word uttered by these unclean lips. I’m wanting to draw people to Him through what I speak, and sometimes more importantly, through what I refuse to say.
It’s a completely new language for me. A new dialect, new pronunciations, new tenses to learn. I hope to use it in special occasions and on an everyday basis. It’s going to take a lot of work on my part to undo what I’ve become so accustomed to; it’s going to take a lot more patience on God’s part to walk me through the lessons.
Want to join me on this new adventure?
Now, I wonder what the translation is for, “Honey, would you please take out the trash?” and, “Your room really needs straightening up?” Those two requests sound like good ones for starters.
Malinda Edgell
Illinois
PRAY TOGETHER: Pray that God would grant strength and healing to WNAC Executive Committee member Pam Hackett, who has suffered multiple strokes in this past year. Pray also for churches in Spain involved in Christmas outreaches today. In Alpedrete, missionaries are hosting Christmas English activities, while the Esperanza Church in Alcalá is processing boxes for Operation Christmas Child.
