I Don't Know What to Say!

When someone acts in a certain way that flies in the face of what you believe or want to happen and all you can say is, "I don't know what to say." I cannot remember how many times I have said this. It seems, I am often surprised by the actions or statements of people and all I can respond with is "I don't know what to say". In a negative sense, it is an expression of anger, disbelief, or frustration. I can remember my dad using this phrase with me on more than one occasion. It was always related to something I had done that was completely opposite of what he wanted. His using my name, "Stevie" would always preceed his frustration. I knew trouble was in the air if I heard "Stevie."

"I don't know what to say" is not always a negative response. For instance, when someone throws you a surprise birthday party, gives you a really nice gift, or does something so incredibly considerate for you, often all that can be said is, "I don't know what to say." This translates to "I am so pleased and happy with what you have done for me". The response usually comes in the form of "it was my pleasure" or "no worries (my usual response)," or "I'm so glad you like it".

As Mally and I have been traveling, we have been exposed to some of the most incredible views this country has to offer. We have also met some very nice people who are living the same RV life. They often have dogs (dog people are nice people). Occasionally a cat might get thrown into the mix, but you know about cats and that there will not be any in heaven...lol. We always thank the Lord for His provisions for us in the way of travel and new acquaintenances. I remember the first time Mally and I rolled up on the south rim of the Grand Canyon. The view took my breath away and I literally had no words. What a wonderful gift God has given us through all He has created.

I wish I could stop here, but that is not the reason for this post. With all the positive things we have been exposed to, we only need to turn on the television to find there is much evil in the world. There are so many people doing and saying horrible things. There are incredibly insensitive remarks and beliefs floating around and I believe all we can say is, "I don't know what to say". This started when sin entered the world in Genesis 3:1-7. The moment Eve ate the fruit and offered it to Adam, sin entered a perfect world.

The first result was the guilt and shame Adam and Eve suffered followed by death; the death of an animal to use skins to cover their guilt and shame. The first two chapters of Genesis are about creation and all the wonderful things God has done for us through creation. In Genesis 3, we find out about the fall of man when Satan deceived Eve and Adam with the forbidden fruit. Not long after, we find the first murder when Cain killed his brother Abel. The world has been affected by evil with its ongoing effects ever sense.

Taking "what to say" first, I think the proper response for Christians is to not say anything dirogatory or harmful. We can acknowledge the severity of evil in the world, but we do not have to attack it with responses which fail to glorify God. During many news telecasts, you will notice the actions and words of social reform protestors. They are intensely vitriol. There is no desire on their part to hear out and understand any opposite views. Instead, they get violent and begin shouting at the top of their voices in an attempt to drown out what is being said.

We usually find these responses are applied to social reforms; however, it actually stems from a deeper motive. We find in Romans 1:18-25 that we are living in a Romans 1 world as well. "What is that" you ask? A Romans 1 world is

"God's wrath being revealed from heaven against all godlessness and unrighteousness of people who by their unrighteousness suppress the truth..." verse 18

Continuing,

"since what can be known about God is evident among them, because God has shown it to them. From the creation of the world His invisible attributes, that is, His eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly seen, being understood through what He has made. As a result, people are without excuse. For though they knew God, they did not glorify Him as God or show gratitude. Instead, their thinking became nonsense, and their senseless minds were darkened. Claiming to be wise, they became fools and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images resembling mortal man, birds, four-footed animals, and reptiles." verses 19-23

This is happening all over the world. As you well know, America is not void to its effects. We have people fighting against God through many avenues of resistance and rebellion. The truth is, they are not capable of understanding the truth because they deny it. I do not want to ride this pony into the ground, so suffice it to say, we are living in dark days in extremely volitile situations. Sadly, it is not hard to find so-called Christians acting the same way. It hurts the cause of Jesus Christ to stand face to face with others shouting and pushing for their own agendas while at the same time claiming to be Christ-followers.

This brings me to the point: It is not just not knowing what to say, but knowing what to do or how to respond. In actuallity, as Christians, we do know what to say; at least in our responses to the evil in this world. It is our responsibility to proclaim the love of God in combination with the wrath of God as proclaimed in His Word. The wrath we are experencing today is not a final wrath of God's judgment as revealed in the Book of Revelation, but is the wrath of God's abandoning the rebellious people of the world. America is spiraling into a state of severe rebellion which is bringing God's current wrath. Ok, so it is my belief we are to tell people the truth. However, this truth has to be proclaimed with and in the love of God.

So, we tell them the truth followed by showing them the truth. This world is watching Christians and at the same time waiting for the shoe to drop. Christains are not only called upon to speak the truth, but as found in the New Testament book of Philippians, we are to act out this truth. What is important to realize is that claiming to be a Christian is not merely asking for forgiveness, but to also live out the Christian life.

Philippians 2:5 tells us to make our attitude that of Christ Jesus. In other words, we are to love others and treat others in the same way Jesus did. We need to remember the words of Paul in verse 13,

"For it is God who is working in you, enabling you, both to will and to act for His good purpose."

This means, as a Christian having been saved by God through Christ's death and resurrection, the Holy Spirit is alive and active in each true Christian. God is working in each of us through the power of the Holy Spirit to do His will and purpose. Verse 14 continues with the imperative (command) to do everything without,

"...grumbling and arguing so that we may be blameless and pure, children of God who are faultless in a crooked and perverted generation, among whom you shine like stars in the world. Hold firmly the message of life." verses 15-16a

In summation, this world is broken and cannot be fixed. It will not be fixed (at least not by us and not now) and will continually resist being fixed. People will call for peace and claim peace, but the truth is, there is evil and sin in the world which will not go away; at least not until God wraps up the history of mankind and establishes a new world. As a result, it is my and your responsibility as Christ-followers to live out the Christian life allowing Christ to be Christ in us.

By following Jesus Christ, we really do know what to say and how to act!

Wear Jesus Well!

Blessings,

Steve