EMB EP19 | The Power of the Pause

Shannon Scott (00:09.134) Hello friends and welcome back to Everything Made Beautiful. Today we are diving into a topic that's been on my heart and I think is desperately needed in this season. I have been saying for many years now that there is power in the pause. And this is all about words, which should surprise no one who knows me, but it's specifically about the power of the words we speak and the power we find in pausing before we speak. This is especially relevant as we navigate an election season that's challenging us on every side. And friends, let me tell you, I found myself in the thick of it last night. I was watching the West Wing, yes, I've officially gone retro, and I have to admit that for a split second, I got a little misty-eyed thinking, why can't we just have Judd Bartlett? He was making all these lofty speeches about unity and grace and hope, and I thought, man, I... vote for this guy in a heartbeat. You ever feel that way? Like it just seemed a little easier back then. Or maybe it's just that we knew it was all scripted. I don't know if you've ever felt this way, but I had a good laugh at myself and I thought, well, Shannon, if your best option is a fictional character, maybe it's time to remind yourself where your hope actually lies. And there's a little truth there, right? Watching the West Wing brought me to this realization that it doesn't matter who's on the ticket. Our ultimate hope is fixed not on any candidate or platform, but on Jesus Christ. When we place all our hopes on any human institution or leader, we are setting ourselves up for disappointment. Paul reminds us in Philippians 3.20 that our citizenship is in heaven and from it, we await our savior, the Lord Jesus Christ. That truth gives us a solid place to stand. and a perspective that should shape the way we speak during this season. So let's start with a truth from Proverbs 1821, which says, and life are in the power of the tongue. I say often that I have almost never regretted what I said in a heated situation when I've paused before I said it. But I have almost always regretted something I said in a heated situation when I didn't pause. Shannon Scott (02:30.392) The most painful lessons I've had to learn in my life, hands down, have been associated with things I've said. I don't think any of us need convincing about the power of words, but likely we do need reminding. We've all felt the sting of words that hurt and the warmth of words that heal. And yet, in a time when it seems everyone has something to say, it's more important than ever that our words bring life rather than death. This 2024 election season has brought out a lot of passion and for many, some pretty intense frustration. And while that's normal, the call on us as believers is to navigate this season differently. In a world that's pulling us to respond with quick comments, snap judgments, and heated arguments, we are invited to something richer and deeper. We're invited to remember the power of the pause. The pause gives space for wisdom. It allows the Holy Spirit to speak before we do. James 1.19 reminds us to be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to become angry. When we pause, we allow God to guide our words. Without it, we risk adding to the noise, to the chaos, and to the hurt that's already swirling around. And here's a hard truth, friends. Our words, once spoken, cannot be unsaid. In this day and age, they can't even be unposted. Whether it's a heated argument with someone in our family, a comment we shoot off online, or a private conversation about someone with whom we disagree, our words matter. They carry weight and they're lasting. Proverbs 15-4 says, gentle tongue is a tree of life, but perverseness in it breaks the spirit. That verse is so convicting to me. I think of times I've said something in haste or in frustration and it did break someone's spirit. And more often than not, I didn't even realize the full impact of what I'd said until it was too late. How many times have we walked away from a conversation thinking, I wish I could take that back. But as James points out in chapter three, no human being can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil full of deadly poison. Shannon Scott (04:54.518) Our words are powerful and can't be tamed on our own strength. We need the help of the Spirit and a heart willing to pause before speaking. Now the pause is particularly important now. In a season that has brought so much division, even within the family of God, I'm talking about the church. Those of us who are supposed to be known by our love for one another, not our voting records. It's no secret that people within the church, within our own homes even, might support different candidates or have different views. And it's so easy to see someone's post or hear someone's comment and immediately go to battle mode. But here's the reminder we need. Our hope isn't found in any candidate, party, or election outcome. Our hope is anchored in Jesus Christ. We have to remember where our true citizenship lies and it is not the United States of America. Philippians 320 says, but our citizenship is in heaven and from it we await a savior, the Lord Jesus Christ. That's where our ultimate allegiance belongs. And because of that, our words should reflect our heavenly citizenship, not just our political stance. So what does that mean for us practically? What does it mean when we're tempted to throw out a? quick angry comment on social media or when we're having those private conversations behind closed doors about the people on quote the other side of the aisle. Proverbs 16 24 says gracious words are like honey sweetness to the soul and health to the body. We're called to speak words that bring sweetness and health not bitterness and injury. I've just got to say this, as followers of Jesus, we simply cannot justify hatred, slander, or vitriol against anyone, regardless of how intensely we disagree with them. No matter how deeply held our convictions, Jesus command to love our enemies and bless those who curse us, which is in Matthew 5 44, is non-negotiable. Shannon Scott (07:07.082) We are called to stand firm in truth, but we are never called to crush others with it. When we allow ourselves to speak with contempt or hatred, we betray the very message of love and redemption we are entrusted to carry. We cannot claim to represent Jesus if we're tearing others down in His name. This includes those whose beliefs or actions or words we find offensive or who oppose what we hold dear. Our standard remains, let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up that it may benefit those who hear. That's in Ephesians 4. Let's be clear. It is unacceptable for a follower of Christ to use words as weapons, especially on important issues or other deeply held convictions. Those don't give us a pass. It is more important that we not use words as weapons in those cases. Our faith does not give us permission to assault others with our opinions or condemn them with our words. The gospel calls us to represent Christ in all things to reflect his kindness and grace even when we disagree passionately. In Romans 12, 21, Paul tells us, Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. When we give in to hatred, we are overcome. But when we respond with love and gentleness, we show that our faith is rooted not in pride or anger, but in a savior who showed boundless grace to us all. Our speech should always serve as a witness to the love of Christ, who never compromised truth, but whose every word drew people toward life, not death. Now, you might be saying, but Shannon, the things they stand for are reprehensible. The words they're saying cannot be tolerated. It's ungodly and I can't support it. Someone has to say something. Well, I hear you. When someone stands for things we know are wrong or speaks words that strike at the Shannon Scott (09:25.07) core of our beliefs, it is natural to feel an intense reaction. But remember, Jesus himself faced individuals who mocked, threatened, and eventually crucified him. They stood for everything opposed to his message of love, purity, and truth, and what was his response? He didn't ignore the gravity of their actions. But neither did he let hatred or condemnation control his words or actions. Instead, he prayed, Father, forgive them for they know not what they do. Jesus showed us that we don't need to support or condone someone's behavior to treat them with compassion and grace. And that doesn't mean turning a blind eye or remaining silent on issues that matter. But as believers, we are called to engage in a way that reflects Christ, not the spirit of the age. Romans 12, 14 through 17, bless those who persecute you. Bless and do not curse. Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. This is a profound challenge, guys, but it's also our calling. We can stand against wrongdoing without demeaning someone else. When our responses are controlled by Christ's love rather than by disdain, we demonstrate that our hope is actually rooted in God's truth, not in our ability to defeat others with our words. We are called to be lights in the darkness, not to contribute to it. That is a testimony the world needs desperately right now. Friends, they are watching us. The world is listening to the Christ followers and right now we have an opportunity to model something different. Imagine if instead of fueling the fires of division, we were known for putting out the flames with our words. Imagine if we were known for speaking words that bring healing and hope and words that point people to the unshakable kingdom of God, what might that do for our culture? Shannon Scott (11:43.928) Let's talk about social media for a minute because this is a big one. Social media gives each of us a microphone and with that comes a responsibility. Now you didn't sign on a dotted line when you opened your Instagram account or when you got your Twitter or X account and you didn't say I will or won't use my responsibility in a way that is fitting with the weight that it carries. But it is a personal responsibility and it does carry a weight. Now, it's my personal opinion that the problem with social media is that you and I are tempted to elevate the importance of our own words. But nevertheless, what if before we hit post or share even, what if we paused and asked, does this post reflect the peace of Christ? Does it show that my ultimate hope is in God, not a candidate or an election? It's a simple question, but a profound filter that can make a world of difference. Our online words are a witness to our faith and they should reflect the peace, love, and security we have in Jesus. This also matters in who we repost and reshare. Someone else's vitriol, if shared by us, becomes our vitriol. The same filter should apply to our private conversations as well. What are we saying about others even when they're not around? How are we talking about those we disagree with politically even when we're just with friends or family? Proverbs 21, 11, excuse me, 25, 11 says, a word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver. Are we speaking words that add value that bring beauty and warmth even when we disagree? I want to give you a reminder I give myself. Regardless of what we think, regardless of our position, regardless of the things we hold dear in terms of what we believe they mean for our country, God isn't actually on the ballot. He doesn't get voted in or out based on who sits in the Oval Office. Our faith does not rise or fall with any political platform. Shannon Scott (14:12.78) When we place our hope in Jesus and his eternal kingdom, we don't need to be defensive or reactionary. We can speak calmly, wisely, and with love, even when talking about difficult or divisive issues. Our hope is secure, so we don't have to grasp at control. Instead of fueling the fire, what if we brought a word in season, as Proverbs 15-23 says? What if we asked God to make us like Word gardeners, people who plant seeds of hope, encouragement, and life. It's a radical way to live, but it's exactly what Jesus calls us to. When I look at Jesus' life, I see a Savior who spoke words that invited people to know the Father more deeply. Even when he spoke hard truths, he did so in love. He didn't react in anger. He responded with grace, wisdom, and patience. I'm also struck by how often he chose to remain silent when accused or insulted. When people tried to trip him up, he paused. He responded thoughtfully, never speaking in a way that stoked unnecessary division. Imagine if we did the same. Imagine how our families, our churches, and our friendships would be impacted if we were people who spoke words of life, healing, and unity rather than words of division. Imagine if we created spaces where people felt safe even when we disagree. So here's my challenge for each of us on this Monday, November 4th at the time of this airing, let's practice the power of the pause. Let's choose words that edify, encourage and bring healing. Let's let the Holy Spirit be the loudest voice in our hearts before we speak. And let's hold tight to the knowledge that our true hope and citizenship are secure no matter what happens in this election. Let's remember that the world is listening closely to how we as followers of Jesus will respond in this moment. We have an incredible opportunity to show that our faith is not a pawn in the political game, but it is a transformative force that impacts every area of our lives. So basically in all the areas Shannon Scott (16:37.984) All the time, our words matter and carry power and weight. They are the primary vehicle through which people will see the Savior we claim to know and follow. So what are our words showing those around us? We are in a world dying for hope, languishing for peace, joy, and a better way. Will they find that hope in the words we're using, sending, and posting? or will they find us being one more voice in an already noisy and discouraging fray? In Matthew Henry's commentary on James chapter three, he says, heart is the root, the language is the fruit. It should be more our care to be good really than to seem good outwardly. So before we speak, before we post, before we argue, Let's pause because our words are ultimately just a reflection of what's already in our hearts. Let's ask ourselves if our words reflect the peace of Christ, if they're a reflection of a heart surrendered to Christ and loyal to a better kingdom. Let's discern if they'll bring light and hope to a world that desperately needs it. And in the event that we can't check those boxes, The power of the pause gives us the grace to keep those words to ourselves. So until next time, may your words bring life and may you remember that in no election ever has God been concerned, unstable on his throne or wringing his hands. And this one is no different. So with that knowledge, it's my prayer. that you'll find beauty in the quiet spaces today and you'll see the ways God is continually making everything beautiful, including you.