Speak Clearly

Scripture Reading: Matthew 5:33-37

In my construction/home repair work, I have noticed that a lot of products come with warning labels. Many of them say, “This product contains a chemical known to the state of California to cause birth defects [or cancer] …” Every time I read one of these, it strikes me as odd. It raises questions. For example: Don’t we all now know this since it is on the packaging? Why is the state of California aware of these problems and other states aren’t?

A lawyer must have come up with this language. Lawyers are like that. It was likely written to satisfy some governmental body in California and to help the corporation avoid legal responsibility if something goes wrong.

Language is interesting. We use it to cover up, skirt around issues, and deny responsibility. We are inundated with politicians who can lie with ease and without a twinge of conscience. They manipulate the English language to make you think they said one thing when they meant the opposite. They lead you to believe they support your position, and later you find out they have voted against your convictions.

Followers of Christ must not use language this way. Our speech is to be characterized by love, grace, kindness, compassion, and truth. Don’t sacrifice truth on the altar of love or love on the altar of truth. Jesus said, “Let your yes be yes, and your no, no.”