No matter how eloquent and academic a string of words is, no matter how complicated or convoluted, the bottom line is that natural language cannot fully encompass the transcendent mind of Christ. It is in the heart that the Spirit dwells, and it is with the heart that we understand true faith. Until we begin to deal with our thoughts about God with the unspoken language that the Spirit affords the heart, we cannot begin to ponder God’s overwhelming love for us. This is most truly seen in reading the scriptures. Without the influence of the Spirit, the natural man cannot grasp the reality of God’s redeeming love.
Faith language, the unspoken understanding the Spirit gives to the heart, helps inform our understanding of truths that are spoken from our own mouths as well as the mouths of others; however, even with the influence of faith language, we can hardly begin to verbally speak of God’s love for even that language is subject to our limited human capacity as soon as we speak it forth. In the heart, faith language is purer, but as soon as we attempt to express it to another, we must use the faculty of the mind, which is capable of speaking only in human language. Language can be quite a good thing. I could not express this thought today without it; yet, if I simply say these words without acting upon them, they do me no good. We better understand God’s Word of love when we stand upon it and act upon it. Words can inform others of nothing but the surface of an inner reality that is far deeper than the thoughts they invoke. Actions motivated by His love, on the other hand, show our hearts true understanding of God. Whereas we process words with the mind, we often act from the heart. This is why our actions are often far better reflections of true faith than our words.
Sounds like Augustine.
ReplyDeleteI agree. Words are easy. Deeds,on the other hand, call for personal sacrifice and inconvenience.
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