Transforming Words

The call to walk Christ’s way is deeply personal, yet has profound social consequences. Followers of Jesus cannot live like the Master while keeping themselves blind to their social context. Psalm 12 will guide us in a meditation, based on the use of words from society and from God. Take time for these four steps, and apply them to yourself and where you live.

Step 1: Lament over society (1,2). In society and business, we have liberated ourselves from religion and faith, and have become slaves of unfaithfulness, disloyalty, lies or deception. Look for specific examples around you where these slave masters are active. Give God your lament over them.

Step 2: Plead to silence rebellious lips (3,4). What identifies rebellious lips? Can you identify what behaviors are present in your society? Have you absorbed some of their characteristics? Do you know a family member, a friend, a neighbor, or a politician who exhibits this trait? Take time to pray for those who fit this profile.

Step 3: Expectation of God’s justice (5,6). In my relationship with God I have first tried to learn more about God and how he sees circumstances (5). Then, I seek to find what God has said about similar circumstances and ground myself in God’s principles. Take time to ponder how God sees you and your fellow citizens. What has he said that is applicable to you today?

Step 4: Confidence in God’s protection (7,8). We may be frustrated with the fact that “depravity is honored by the human race” (8). While some destroy with their lips, God protects with his Word. How can you pray for protection? Is it physical, emotional or intellectual protection you need?

As you go through this coming week, how will you live out the four steps above?