What Did You Say?

A phone call came into my office the other day and after the caller identified herself, she asked for my copier's model number. Suspecting that it was a telemarketing scam of some sort, I asked, "Who are you with?" There was dead silence and then a click.  Smiling to myself, the quick exit confirmed my suspicions. I didn't fall off the potato truck yesterday. Then the phone rang again. Caller ID said it was the same caller, so I let it go to voicemail. The line once again went "click" and no message was left. Surprised that she would call back, I was even more so when the phone rang a third time from the same number. Answering the call, I found that it was the same woman. She quickly identified herself and asked about the copier. When I inquired yet again, "Who are you with?" She replied, "I don't see why my marital status is important."

As you might guess, I had to stop from laughing before responding.  "I don't need your marital status, I need to know what company you are with." 

"Oh, that question."  Silence prevailed and then the click. There were no more calls.

My intuition was obviously correct about the purpose of the call since she was rather stingy with the company information. Apparently the woman's marital status was a hot button issue for her. How easily we misunderstand or miscommunicate on a daily basis! What seems so obvious to us is not so clear to the recipient of the question or information. Then we have folks who intentionally speak to deceive us. And there are those who prefer not hear the truth because it's too distressing.

There is One who speaks clearly and plainly to us through the written Word. He is the Author and His words are life. Real life, abundant for here and eternity. And if we don't understand His words, He tells us to ask for understanding. He wants the message to get through to us, without any misunderstanding.  Psalm 119:130 says, "The teaching of your word gives light, so even the simple can understand." NLT

Good news for us. We don't have to be an intellectual or have a degree to understand God's Word. It's also practical, useful for everyday life, and teaches us to do the right thing.

 All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. 2 Timothy 3:16 NLT

For the word of God is alive and powerful. It is sharper than the sharpest two-edged sword, cutting between the soul and spirit, between joint and marrow. It exposes our innermost thoughts and desires. Hebrews 4:12 NLT

Scripture states flat out what's wrong with us and we don't like that one little bit. We make up all sorts of excuses to not believe it or apply it our lives. Our struggle to manipulate it to serve our own purposes doesn't work. It may temporarily, but it will always come back to bite us. The Truth will always expose us.

Communication today can be confusing, full of lies, and way too much to comprehend. We have a glut of words and data everywhere.  God's Word is crystal clear and absolute.  Don't be afraid to read it, believe it, and live it.