The Word

“In the beginning was the Word,

and the Word was with God,

and the Word was God.”

John 1:1

Jesus Christ is God’s Word, God’s Divine Communication of Himself to the world. The Word exists from eternity. The Word enjoys perfect, unhindered communion with God the Father, because the Word is God. The Word not only created the universe but continually sustains it with his power (Heb 1:3). It is only by Him that every molecule is held together (Col 1:17). He is the source of life (John 14:6; 11:25). He is the true light of the world (John 8:12).
Yet this Word humbled himself and became flesh (Phil 2:7–8). He came to dwell with us and live among us (John 1:14). He came to suffer the effects of man’s sin, although not even a trace of sin could be found in him (2 Cor 5:21). He came to his own creation, but they rejected him (John 1:11). He came to manifest the Father to us (John 1:18). Only he could rightly say, “Whoever sees me has seen the Father” (John 14:7–9). He is the exact representation of the Father, a one-for-one manifestation of God, the incarnate Word (Heb 1:3). He is our God, our Savior, our Lord!

Saying What You Mean

Reprinted from Tell the Truth © 2002 by Will Metzger with permission from InterVarsity Press, Downers Grove, Illinois.

The Bible talks about boldness and says that our strength comes from the Lord and is manifested in quietness, confidence, and love. Yet many Christians have communication traits which are indirect, self-effacing, subservient and obsequious. These qualities can be virtuous, but if they rule our relationships, they result in an unhealthy compliant personality. Nonassertiveness has been mistaken for a Christian virtue. Proper assertiveness is essential for loving, truthful relationships and for witnessing. An abundance of Christians develop a nonassertive character, confusing biblical teaching on submission, giving up our rights and putting others first with a total subordination of their legitimate needs. Women, especially, have been rewarded for being nonconfrontational, agreeable, quiet and servile. By not saying what they really think, feel or want, they hide their true selves and bury these things within until the day they explode in things like divorce, suicide, depression, codependency or addictions. To always conform to what others want of you is worldliness. To excuse yourself as “shy” may mean that you focus too much on what others think of you and are overly sensitive.
One of the ways to recognize nonassertive behavior is to ask yourself:
1. Do I usually respond to what others say or do rather than initiating and being proactive?
2. Do I apologize or make excuses all the time and put myself down?
3. Do I avoid conflict with others, fearing their disapproval?
4. Do I refrain from expressing even my lowest-risk feelings, needs, opinions?
5. If I do express my ideas and needs, is it often in such an ingratiating way that others disregard me?
6. Am I inwardly angry, resentful, frustrated because I later wish I had said or done something?
7. Do I find myself often saying “yes” when I want to say “no”?
Indications of behaving nonasssertively are continuing anxiety, dissatisfaction, anger, or discomfort after interaction with someone. Your important, legitimate needs are not being met. You’ve become a people-pleaser.

Afraid? Not Me!

In the very last chapter of the Bible, we read a very interesting verse which gives a catalog of those who will be eternally condemned to the lake of fire. Revelation 21:8 says, “But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death.” Did you notice what heads the list? The “fearful” or “cowardly.” This is amazing to me, because I don’t usually think of fear as something very bad.
It may help to remember that fear is the opposite of faith. When we rely on our own strength instead of trusting in God, that is a recipe for fear. Obviously, people who are characterized by fear, not faith, do not please God.
A very specific and relevant fear that we face is the fear of others. Proverbs 29:25 says, “The fear of man bringeth a snare: but whoso putteth his trust in the Lord shall be safe.” The Bible tells us that being afraid of others and what they think is a trap. The other side of the coin is trusting in the Lord instead of being afraid of others. We can’t have it both ways: if we are afraid of others and what they will think of us, we are not trusting in the Lord. If we are trusting in the Lord, we will not be terrorized by the fear of others.
How do you know if you are afraid of others? Are there clothes that you would never wear because of what your friends would say? Are there things you do that you would be mortified if your friends found out? Do you avoid singing out too loud in church because somebody might notice you? Do you try not to be too cooperative or helpful in youth group lest one of your friends think that you actually enjoy it? Do you make sure you’re not the first one to answer a question so that nobody thinks you’re too smart? Are you more worried about what people will think of you or what God will think of you?
Avoid the trap of being afraid of man by fearing and obeying God supremely. If our number one goal is to please God, we will not fall into the pit of being a people-pleaser.