Consequential

Consequential. Consequential – now, that’s a word! In the unquenchable search for significance, perhaps we should look for the consequential – the important, substantial, momentous. Along with our tiredness each night, thoughts of what-did-I-accomplish-today settles on the pillow.  I’m not even suggesting anything in the Bible comes close to insignificant, but when you read Apostle Paul’s salutations, before he even broaches the meat of his letters, they are filled with consequential. “To the church of the Thessalonians in God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ: Grace to you and peace. We give thanks to God always for all of you, making mention of you in our prayers.” (1 Thessalonians 1:2-3).  In the simplicity of these two introductory verses, he has affirmed great theological and eternal truths as well as encouraged the readers. Hence, I wonder: how much of my life’s chitchat follows this pattern? Is my conversation just chatter-babble-blabber, mindless and foolish – inconsequential? Jesus said, “The good man brings out of his good treasure what is good … I tell you that every careless word that people speak, they shall give an accounting for it in the day of judgment.” (Mathew 12:35-36). Hmmm, is not [then] all conversation worthy of Godly significance? Could the otherwise simplicity of my words be fine-tuned to point another to Christ, to encourage and uplift, find their roots in eternal significance? We live in a culture that reminds us front-and-center, loud-and-clear: words matter!  Yes, and most importantly, they matter to God! Let us live and speak what is consequential!