WBFJ Wednesday Word

Thanks to my 7th Grade Spanish teacher and 3 trips to Guatemala, I’ve picked up a little Spanish. On my most recent trip, I found I had picked up just enough Spanish to almost engage in a conversation with someone, but then had nowhere to go because of the language barrier. It was SO FRUSTRATING!!! I’m a talker, I majored in Communication and talking is what I do for a living. So, for me, only being able to have shallow chats with people and not having the words to go deeper was really stifling. Fortunately, the Guatemalans I found myself in this position with were very gracious. They seemed to appreciate that I was at least trying to speak their language, even though my heart to communicate far exceeded my ability.


I sometimes feel the same way when I get into conversations with people about my faith. I know enough about what I believe and the Bible to start a conversation with people, but once we go deeper, I sometimes struggle to find the words to articulate why I believe what I believe. Has this ever happened to you? There are a plethora of books and websites that can help you find the words you need to have conversations about your faith. Josh McDowell’s website, Josh.org is a good place to start. New Christians and long-time Christ followers alike could probably all benefit from a lesson in apologetics.


On the other hand, I have met many Christians who are extremely well educated in theology, doctrine and the Bible, but seem to lack the compassion and love in necessary to communicate that knowledge in a way that others are receptive to. In 1Corinthians 13 Paul emphasizes the importance of love in our communication with others, saying, “If I speak in the tonguesa]" of men and of angels, but have not love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal.”


Paul reiterates the point that the language of our faith is a language of love. We can have the words and the ability, but it is love that allows the message to penetrate other’s hearts.

Tami Rumfelt

What is it about human nature that desires our victories to be public? We want everyone to know that we are winners, accomplished the task, achieved the prize…and they – did not!

Ticker-tape parades, championship t-shirts and Rose Garden receptions have become the standard of the winners’ spoils. Victory itself seems incomplete without the praise of others.

Recently, my family had opportunity to celebrate a victory that was nearly a decade in the making. However, due to circumstances beyond our control and a powerful mid-summer thunderstorm, the celebration of such was basically non-existent. Those who had helped make the dream a reality had been dispersed by the events of the day.

How many victories in life go by without notice? Does the lack of attention cheapen the achievement?

I guess we have to ask ourselves if the joy of the victory is in the celebration OR in the accomplishment, the finished race, the job well-done? Maybe…our focus in winning should mirror that of the One who endured by finding joy in the “prize that was set before Him.” That trumps the party every time!

Wally Decker