Do all things without complaining and disputing, that you may become blameless and harmless, children of God without fault in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world, holding fast the word of life, so that I may rejoice in the day of Christ that I have not run in vain or labored in vain. (Philippians 2:14-16)

Eternal Rhetoric

Rhetoric is persuasive speech or writing that communicates its point persuasively. Sin entered the world with a serpent persuading the Woman to doubt the word of God. In the beginning, all men spoke a single language uniting them against the will of God. After the flood, the Lord divided humanity through the means of languages establishing cultures and nations that filled the earth. The power of rhetoric has begun global conflict and brought peace to a troubled world. There is a great influence through the word to be used for good and to bring evil upon the fate of humanity. The Christian has a special role as an example of godliness in the manner of their speech. An effective tool for good can be the language of a child of God that does not grumble, complain, and argue. It is difficult to not be caught up in the rhetoric of the world that has a negative word for every moment with complaints, murmurings, and dissatisfaction.

Rhetoric that is befitting the character of godly men and women is tempered by the word of life. Jesus is the Word and His life fills the hearts of those who disciple under His teaching. Instead of being like the world, a Christian measures his speech to be seasoned with the eternal salt of grace. Speech that is without complaining and disputing cannot be criticized by others. Living in a crooked and perverse world is difficult enough without complicating the influence of God’s people by unchecked speech. One of the great attributes of the Christian’s grace is self-control. The tongue is a small thing that boasts great things and just a tiny spark can set a great forest on fire. It is a flame of fire. Children of God control the tongue to show the glory of God.

Rhetoric that is of value is eternal speech. Holding firm to the word of life enables the tongue to speak the words of God in the hearts of the ungodly. There is no occasion for a charge against those who control their tongues. For the Christian, they will do everything without complaining and arguing as the ear of God hears all they say. Jesus reminded His followers that every word will await a man when judgment comes. There is nothing hidden from the mind of God. The words of influence are the words of the heart filled with the eternal word of God. Shining like bright lights in a dark world, the speech of the Christian is a pattern of goodness, kindness, charity, and love. Filled with the word of God, the world hears the heart of the saints praising God for the abundance of mercies given to them. There will be rejoicing with the Father sends His Son in the final day to hear the eternal rhetoric of His people singing praises to His name and glorify Him by His Word. Eternal rhetoric is persuasive speech or writing that communicates its point persuasively to a crooked and perverse world.