Archives: October 2010...

Editorial...

I like using words. They’re pretty good. Check this old chestnut out: cobweb. Two syllables that just roll off the tongue. Cob and web. Mmmmm.

Words are great for several reasons. Firstly, without them most of us would struggle to communicate effectively (though, to be fair many people do communicate well without vocalising their words). Secondly , they are the reason we have dictionaries (and all books for that matter). Thirdly, they are fun to use. See if you can use the words perpendicular and vagabond in the same sentence when talking to someone today…

Our words can have a lot of power. In just one sentence we can build people up, or tear them down, raise people’s hopes, or dash all expectations. In the New Testament, James warns his readers that the tongue (sort of where our words come from) is like a small spark that can start a great fire (James 3v5).

Words have started wars, fuelled revolutions and brought peace. They have challenged injustice, torn down tyranny (an interesting word itself) and made people smile. Weird isn’t it, that the noises that come out of our mouths can have such an impact?

A friend and I were on a long drive back from Cornwall the other week after a few days with a bunch of mates. As we travelled we talked. We were using lots of words, chatting about our friends and our lives. One of the things that made me think was that my mate said he loved his friends and just wanted to see them reach their potential. I guess that’s what we all feel about our mates.  But his comments really got me thinking. When did I last genuinely tell my mates what I thought was good about them and what I saw in them? When did I last use my words to build them up, strengthen them, inspire them and tell them that they are just good? When did I really last use my words to encourage someone? After all, I hang out with them all the time, I must like them for some reason. 

Now I don’t mean getting all weird and telling people you love them all the time like you’re from the 60’s. Neither am I saying we should go around giving random compliments just for the sake of it (e.g. ‘Hey Susan, you’re great at carrying paper’).

But I do mean sitting down and working out some of the stuff that you really appreciate about your mates and taking the time to sincerely let them know…. You never know, they might love you for it. Like my mate, I want to see my friends reach their potential, and one way I can do that is to tell them the stuff I appreciate about them.

This isn’t a specifically Jesus centred or Christian thing to do either. I mean, we could pull out all the verses that say ‘encourage one another’ and conclude God thinks it’s a good idea that we are nice to our mates (which would be true).

But what this is about is wearing our hearts on our sleeves, being open to show our friends that we do care and value them. It’s likely that when we’re that honest that God might use our words to impact our mates lives. And that’s definitely something He wants to do.
 
Anyway, we have a few other articles this month; a look at the relationship between lament and worship from Mike P (Momentum), some help if you've just been dumped by your boyfriend or girlfriend (Reality), stuff on Haiti (Aware) and a bit about the fruit and gifts of the Holy Spirit (Bible Study). Plus we've uploaded for one month only, Andy's talk from the summer on ways to grow your relationship with God.

Beyond all of that don't forget our monthly competition... this month you can win a copy of 'Light the sky' the new Soul Survivor live CD (that comes out in October/November). Plus Vox Pop is packed full of your Soul Survivor videos too, so check them out, you might even see yourself.

As usual get in touch and let us know any of your suggestions for future articles or what you think about what we’re saying.

Cheers

Dan
editor@soulsurvivor.com

P.S Don't forget to check the Bible in One Year blog for daily updates and encouragement on reading the Bible.
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