Translating

Yesterday morning the worship service at our church combined with the Hispanic congregation who usually meets after us. We were able to sing songs together in English and Spanish: Even the choir special switched between the two languages during the chorus. It was such a beautiful reminder that our God is the God of “...every tribe and language and people and nation.” (Revelation 5:9)

As my pastor, Mike, gave the sermon, the Hispanic pastor, Jorge, would translated. Because of this, Pastor Mike had to speak in short, or broken sentences in order to let Pastor Jorge interpret without getting too bogged down or lost. I have to say I was tickled by the fact that Wal-Mart is Wal-Mart, no matter the language and Paul is called Pablo. I just never pictured him as a Pablo.

As I sat there listening, it occurred to me that the sermon was more concise because of the need to listen and translate. Stopping to wait allowed Pastor Mike time to chose his next words more carefully instead of a thought being allowed to play out in full. It also gave Pastor Jorge time to figure out how best to translate a sentence. What a wonderful example of how we should speak to others! Not only do we need to take time to stop and think even as we are speaking, but we need to take time and hear what the Spirit has to say to us before we open our mouths to those around us.

Our tongue, or words, are difficult to control. Psalm 52:4 says, “You love any words that destroy, you treacherous tongue!” and in Proverbs 21:23, “The one who guards his mouth and tongue keeps himself out of trouble.” The book of James gives us further insight on the wisdom of pausing to tame the tongue. James 1:26, “If anyone thinks he is religious, without controlling his tongue but deceiving his heart, his religion is useless.” and again in James 3:2, “...If anyone does not stumble in what he says, he is a mature man who is also able to control his body.” What amazing emphasis is placed on controlling our words: It will effect our whole body!

As we pause before speaking, we are to be listening to what the Spirit guides us to say for the Father. “When the Spirit of truth comes, He will guide you into all the truth. For He will not speak on His own, but He will speak whatever He hears. He will also declare to you what is to come.” (John 16:13) Christ also tells us over and over in the book of Revelation, “Anyone who has an ear should listen to what the Spirit says to the churches.” (Chapters 2 & 3)

I realize that we can not stop every few moments in our conversations with people to cock our heads skyward, listening for guidance from the Spirit. It is something we just have to pray for and be sensitive to while we are speaking. And the only way to accomplish that is by spending time in the Word daily and praying constantly! So take a few moments to pray for His guidance in your speech today. Ask Him to keep you sensitive to His promptings and for your tongue to get stuck to the roof of your mouth if your flesh starts taking over!