,
A News Publication for Cedarville College Alumni i
SPRING 1999
Acceptable Words
by David H.Robey,Ph.D.
Let
the words ofmy mouth and the meditation ofmy
heart be acceptable in thy sight,0Lord, my strength
and my Redeemer
hile Psalm 19:14 is David's prayer, it is
also the prayer of every person who truly
desires to glorify God.David,the skilled
orator and articulate poet, prayed that his
words would be acceptable or pleasing to
God.While the phrase"words of my
mouth" also reflects quality of actions, it does reveal that David
and his God hold language in high regard. Our language, our
vocabulary,our skill in communication is important to God.
Proverbs 25:11 states that a word "fitly spoken is like apples of
gold in pictures of silver."
The argument for the importance of words takes on added
strength when we realize that words are the outcome by which
the quality ofthe heart is evaluated."Out of the abundance of
the heart the mouth speaketh"(Luke 6:45). If words reveal the
state ofthe heart, then those who follow Christ are to have
consistent actions and words.James affirms that if there is both
sweet and bitter water coming out ofthe same spring,then that
man is "double-minded and unstable in all his ways"
(James 1:8). Perhaps the most sobering decree given by Christ
regarding the importance oflanguage is in Matthew 12:37:
"For by thy words thou shalt be justified and by thy words thou
shalt be condemned."
The word "communicate" is derived from Latin terms which
mean "to hold in common."The goal of true communication is
two-fold. First, define reality with language that is specific,
accurate,and free of ambiguity. Second,choose a
communication tool(a language)by which to bring other
people to come to that same level of understanding. Language
can be verbal, written, or primarily visual, but the goal of all
language is to enable people to "hold in common"ideas and
feelings. This is truly a daunting task. The question then
becomes,how can communication truly occur in a world that
not only speaks multiple languages but also operates under
multiple belief and semantic systems? Not easily! In the
Department of Communication Arts,our goal is to encourage
and motivate students to continually strive to communicate
clearly and effectively within the culture in which God has
placed us. Certainly the goal of all Christians who would seek
to be light and salt in this world is to communicate effectively
with a world in great need of redemption.
It can also be said that the need for clear communication has
never been more vital or more difficult than it is today. Over 2000
years ago,the Roman philosopher Quintillion defined an orator as
a "good man speaking." However,goodness and oratory appear to
have little in common today.A recent Gallup Poll revealed that
7 out of 10 Americans do not trust our nation's president, yet
3out of4 also say he is doing a good job as president.
These numbers reveal that our nation is much more interested in
economic prosperity than moral propriety. Our culture not only
condones but applauds those who are skilled in playing the games
of words even though integrity is sacrificed.
As Christians, we are called to communicate truth. While our
students are studying to skillfully communicate the truth of
broadcasting, multimedia,organizational communication,
communication theory, and theatre, we pray they will do it while
honoring THE TRUTH.The greatest request for communication
effectiveness in Scripture came when Paul prayed in
Ephesians 6:19,"And for me,that utterance may be given unto
me,that I may open my mouth boldly to make known the mystery
ofthe gospel." Utterance is a word that unites the desires for clear
thinking,communication skills, and courage.This is truly the
desire for all whom would be skilled communicators.
The goal to communicate clearly and effectively is a challenge
that will be continually addressed and never totally resolved this
side ofeternity. One of Cedarville College's learning objectives is
"to provide sufficient opportunities for students to practice the
skills of communication." May each of us seek to know our world,
our language,and the requirements of Scripture for
communication.Only then may we communicate in such a way as
to be acceptable to God.
