2008. 9. 28 Rev. Kim, Young Bong

Invitation to a Spiritual Journey 4
Not By Words Alone
1 Peter 3:1-4, 13-17

1.

The most foolish person in the world is the one who thinks that one can accomplish anything with words alone. Those who set out to evangelize only by words, those pastors who preach only with word; those who try to comfort others only by words, and those who try to ride through trying times with only words of assurance are all indeed foolish.

Words are a very useful tool. Words are a necessary tool in connecting me with others and my inner being to my outer being. If one does not communicate with others but is confined within one’s inner being, then it is difficult for the person to mature as a complete being. The possibility of human being becoming human can be glimpsed from the Chinese expression “人間”, meaning “mankind”, that is, a world of mankind made possible through man-to-man. The communication between men becomes possible through words. From this point of view, one can possibly say “one cannot accomplish anything without words.”

While the saying “one cannot accomplish anything without words” has some truth, our life’s experience lends us to concede also to the saying “one cannot accomplish anything with words alone.” From this, some might recall an old saying, “a wise word can forgive a thousand-piece debt,” but the saying doesn’t mean that a debt can be forgiven by words alone. Let’s think of it this way. Suppose that a person tries to talk himself out of a thousand-piece debt. If a lender realizes this debtor’s scheme, how resentful would he feel towards the debtor? But, let’s think further. When the debtor meets the lender, let us suppose that the debtor becomes at a loss as what to do because he feels sorry and ashamed, and so, the debtor says with trembling voice, “I’m so sorry. I will do every way I can to pay off the debt, even when I get to the other world, I will pay you back.” In this case, should the lender waive the thousand-piece debt, the reason is not merely because of these words spoken, but because of the sincerity of the words.

Words are effective when spoken with sincerity. When one perceives the resolve of the speaker to be responsible for his words, those words take hold with strength. But when words of emptiness ring not from the heart of the speaker, they become nothing but noise produced from the speaker’s lips and tongue. We cannot accomplish anything merely with such words. So, the people who think “one can accomplish anything with words alone” are either lacking in life’s experiences, or lack the ability to learn from their experiences. Those sages who have deeply peered into man’s life are very cautious with their words. In the philosophy and religions of the East or West, being “verbose” is taken be a form of foolishness. It is the same with Christianity. The Bible is warning us not to spill out words without any self-restraints over our tongue. The Bible advises us to speak with sincerity and to be virtuous if we have anything to say. The Bible also warns us that vain words are useless, harsh words are a weapon more dangerous than a knife, and vicious words will be the flame that burns our lives away.

2.

“One cannot accomplish anything with words alone.” That is the truth. I feel particularly sensitive to this issue because so many words I have to employ in carrying out my pastoral duty. During a typical week, how often I spill out words before a gathering? Especially during times when I lead early morning services, I sometimes feel the onset of “diarrhea of words.” If I don’t keep my mouth shut while away from the pulpit, I wouldn’t know what to do with the growing sense of emptiness. However, among the most intense struggles in the pastoral ministry is wrestling for words. We must know to speak when words are called for and to keep from speaking when silence is called for. When speaking, we must also remember that words alone are not enough. We must remember that our spoken words are not a mere sounding or a verbal gesture, but that these words are implements of God’s might. This is not an easy spiritual struggle.

To transform a “word” into the “Word” is a task full of risk and challenges. This is not only a pastoral prerogative; it’s a discovery and a challenge that all believers can dream of. God gives all believers this spiritual gift. Although a loose tongue can only serve as a noise, words with our hearts and our prayers, words touched by God’s Holy Spirit can become spiritually powerful. It is what the instrument of conveyance of God’s Word becomes. Even if one is not the person preaching, it is important that our words become the vessels that carry God’s words. A verse in the letter to the Hebrews makes this point clear:

“For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart” (Hebrews 4:12)

Through our words, the Word of God that is conveyed can heal those in pain, provide hope to those without hope, comfort to those who grieve, and direction to those who have lost their way. Those words can reveal things that are hidden, shine a light in the darkest corners, and straighten what is crooked. On the other hand, thoughtlessly spoken words or willful words of only one’s thinking can further hurt those in pain, can break down those in despair, and sadden those in sorrow. I ask that you reconsider your own actions. “How are my words?” Are they empty words? Are they like shooting arrows? Are they words that bring death? Or are they words that bring life?

There is something I hear often from those who face difficulties. They say that they often feel pierced as if by daggers, pierced by words spoken by fellow congregants who try to comfort them. Conventional expressions such as “It is all God’s will,” or “There is a reason for all this,” or “This will also turn out to be a blessing,” become sharp needles rather than a comfort to those in the midst of suffering. The truth in these experiences is for those walking in the path of suffering to comprehend for themselves, and is not conveyable by others. When dealing with fellow congregants dealing with grief, it is better to keep silence instead of trying to speak clumsy words. Keeping silent and communicating with one’s eyes is better. It is much better to communicate through the warmth of holding hands.

3.

Likewise, the same approach should be applied when evangelizing non-believers. We must not think we can do that by words alone. We must not think we can do that with our logic. If we need words, they are words neither empty, nor memorized, nor of human logic. We need words inspired by God. We need words in which we can hear God’s voice. If these words are not such words, we should rather be silent. If not such words, they would hinder rather than help evangelism. Because of the experiences had from the ‘evangelism only by word,’ isn’t there a common perception of “talkative Jesus-mongers”?

There are three very important tools in evangelizing. Among these, the most important is prayer. I shared this with you in my sermon last week. Quite often, having someone in your heart and praying for the person is all it takes. The second tool is the quality of the life you live as a believer. About this aspect, I have delivered a plenty of words. The person willing to evangelize must follow in the path of Jesus Christ first. The third tool is words that explain the truth of the Gospel. Of these three, words are the least effective. Without the accompanying prayers and conduct, nothing happens by words alone.

We can see the same principle in the words in Chapter 3 of 1 Peter, which we have read today. Apostle Peter urges wives whose husbands are non-believers, to conduct themselves in a manner worthy of believers. That is, to obey their husbands, not to pay too much attention to their looks, and to adorn the hidden person of their heart. What happens when they do this? “Likewise, you wives, be submissive to your own husbands, that even if some do not obey the word, they, without a word, may be won by the conduct of their wives, when they observe your chaste conduct accompanied by fear.” (Verses 1 ? 2) This means if you live your life according to your faith, others will be inspired without a word.

I don’t mean that we don’t need words at all. If we continue reading Chapter 3 of 1 Peter, we soon find the following verse, “Always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you.” (Verse 15) Apostle Peter is talking about a situation of affliction that a believer is facing. A believer is persecuted while living righteously according to what he believes. In all ages, society has often persecuted people who live righteously and virtuously, rather than encouraging them. For the sake of those who are in such situations, Apostle Peter urged us as follows: Do not be afraid of their threats, nor be troubled. But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts.” (Verse 14)

Let’s think about it. Imagine someone who is being persecuted because of living righteously and virtuously, he isn’t afraid of his persecutors, he treats them politely as if they are his own brothers, and he perseveres all hardships without any fear of death. If anyone sees someone like that, would he not ask, “What do you believe that makes you so confident?” Apostle Peter is advising them to think of a reason for hope, so as to be ready in case they are given such a question. However, he says there is one thing to be careful about. While one can speak of his faith, the answer has to be with “meekness and fear.” (Verse 16)

We must keep these verses in mind. It’s because the evangelism that Korean churches profess is so different from these. Why did he say “answer with meekness?” It’s because, as to the worthiness of the humanity, we as believers and they as non-believers are not much different. We have no right to be more upright in posture, raise our voices, and mock them. Why did he say “answer with fear”? It is because the eternal destiny of one’s soul is at stake. It is because of the concern that we might obscure the Truth through our clumsiness. But all this time, how have the churches dealt with evangelism? How one-sided? How impolite? How insensitive? How self-centered? How crude? How far off is our ways of witnessing from the Biblical perspective?

4.

Let me introduce some impressive writings by Professor Hyung Suk Kim who held a faith class in our church about a couple of months ago. We may see a model from his witness, in that he explains the reason for his hope with awe and gentleness. Let me read those lines from his book.

It was one Christmas day during my college years. I got up in the morning, prayed and was reading the book of John. Reading verse 32 of chapter 8, “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free,” I was moved so I bookmarked the page and was meditating on the verse.

After a while, Mr. Suh living upstairs came into my room knocking. Looking at me meditating while lying in my bed, he sat on a chair, opened the page I bookmarked, and began to read. And he began to speak quietly.
“The truth will set you free? Is this what Christ said? Can He set us free by the truth?”
“I believe so,” I replied.
Mr. Suh went back to his room after saying “If that is true, I should believe.” We ate breakfast and took a walk together. He didn’t say a word. I too wanted to meditate alone since it was a Christmas morning.

At the end of walk, when we reached the front door, Mr. Suh asked “Mr. Kim, why haven’t you suggested me to go to church together as a Christian? Other Christians seem to try hard to evangelize.”

“Actually I also prayed for you to become a Christian, but I didn’t ask you to believe together because of my shortcomings…” I looked at him as I replied.
When are you going to church?
“I’m going to participate in the Christmas worship service, will you come with me?” I asked. Then he said “I want to. I’d like to believe Jesus who promises the truth and freedom!”

We went to church together. He asked me to go home by myself when the service was over, saying “I will come home after settling my mind.” He remained in the sanctuary. Mr. Suh became a Christian from that day on.(Kim, HyungSun <Promises of Hope>, pages 246-247)

Reflecting this, Prof. Kim explained why Mr. Suh converted as this: “I don’t think Mr. Suh became a Christian suddenly in one morning. He must have agonized about many issues so long. One of them is the truth and freedom everyone is pursuing. He followed Jesus to be blessed with the solutions to truth and freedom without a hesitation. If Mr. Suh didn’t have any issues, even if he were evangelized, he wouldn’t have become a Christian.” (page 248)

Let’s analyze this story for a moment. What happened until Mr. Suh became a Christian? Firstly, there was a prayer. Others must have prayed for him as well as Prof. Kim. The prayer must have made Mr. Suh to tackle with the issues on truth and freedom. The prayer might have led him to spiritual thirst. All those things which happened inside of Mr. Suh’s were created by the Holy Spirit, but some people helped with their prayers for him.

Secondly, there was Prof. Kim’s action. He felt he was not complete; and also he was not in the state of moral perfection. However, his living attitude of pursuing the truth, which may have looked different from others, might have attracted Mr. Suh’s attention. Believe it or not, Mr. Suh must have watched him for quite some time. Perhaps he might have thought, ‘surely he must be going to church but he is different from other Christians. Why is that? If he walks on a path to eternity, what am I walking on?” This kind of question must have made him look for Prof. Kim.

Thirdly, words came after his actions. Prof. Kim did not use many words to witness to Mr. Suh. He only confessed “I believe.” And he acknowledged he has many shortcomings as a Christian. That was enough for leading Mr. Kim to Christ. Words didn’t do much. Rather, prayer and actions already made the way.

5.

This thought leads me to remember what one of my church members told me. He told me about where stands with his faith. "When someone asks me whether I am a Christian, I answer <I just attend a church>. When someone asks me to pray for him or her, I can't respond as I cannot see myself keeping such a promise to sincerely pray for them. Doesn’t it seem that I still have a long way to go?"

Indeed for us all there is a long way to go. From the Lord's divine standard we all stand almost the same distance. With a second thought I believe that there's more hope in those who feel less confident in preaching than those who are confident. Professor Hyungseok Kim said "I couldn't witness to others to become a Christian since I was not confident". But there is a significant possibility that those people might have actually exerted a greater influence on others around them. In many cases problems arise from those who are too confident in themselves. The reason non-Christians dislike Christianity is due to those who flaunt their faith.

Is there anyone who thinks 'I'm doing well'? I will be blunt. Be aware! The truth may actually be opposite. That arrogance or self-confidence hampers the way to the witnessing of the Gospel. To those who think 'Alas, I'm useless. I can't even say that I'm a believer', I would like to say. Be courageous! I hope you would take a step in your spiritual journey with that humble and fearful mind. Let's follow Jesus step by step in spirit and faith. As long as you walk in the right path into the right direction, your humility in faith may exert a greater influence.

What impresses non-Christians is not your lofty character or morality. Of course, it's better to have those, but not necessarily. Those words that impact non-Christians are not excellent logic or eloquence. How do you feel when you meet someone who is very eloquent and highly academic? Don't you want to avoid the person? Don't you feel suffocated by that person? What can affect non-Christians are those words that can deliver God's presence in your life with your truth. It doesn't matter even though your speech is not eloquent and has some flaws in logic. It is those words to share your life without pretense or exaggeration. Spiritual closure can be brought by such transparent confessions to people however brilliant they are. The Bible verse, <The Lord makes the wise be ashamed by the fool>can come true in that case.

Hence, any one can witness the Gospel. Whoever is a Christian should do it. Indeed, the process of life in faith is the witness in Gospel. If you walk on the righteous way toward the right direction, you're witnessing Gospel regardless your intention, even though your speed may vary. Jesus said about believers "You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden." It is indeed true. It can't be hidden. Even though no words are spoken, they know we are Christians. People around us watch us and judge us without telling us. 'That person is not a true Christian.' or 'That person is indeed a Christian' or 'Looking at that person, I suppose there must be God.'”

If a person who seems to be untruthful says 'I've been untruthful, but I'm trying to be truthful', that can be touching. However, if a person who appears to be righteous says 'I'm righteous', he doesn't look righteous because of this. The more the person who seems unrighteous pretends to be righteous, the more non-Christians dislike Christianity. We need to walk one step at a time with our gratitude for the Lord's grace while acknowledging our incompleteness and being content as we are. We need to walk in the righteous way for God, for ourselves and for our neighbors.

By doing that and praying, we can subtly and with caution invite others to our way. Witnessing the Gospel is ultimately God's work. He started it and His will be done at His own time in His own way. We only need to participate in His work by praying and walking in His way and share our righteous life with others. By doing these, we would progress in our way help those we love find the true life in peace. Our Father in heaven would be greatly happy to see this happening. What could be more joyful than seeing His children live happily in the Truth?

My Lord who walked the narrow and rough path before us,
Who called us to the path
Please help us
Walk in Your way faithfully
When we meet those who don't believe in You,
Help us to invite Christ into our hearts that we may receive in holiness,
Lord
we've been living unfaithfully.
Let us be true.
In our deeds and words
Lead us to reveal Your presence.
Amen.