Language and the Art of Manipulation

When language is used to manipulate others in order to do your bidding or to force/influence them to believe something that you do it borders on witch-craft. We have all known people who can say just the right thing, but every other aspect of their being suggests that they are being manipulative and that their heart is not in a noble place.

When we consider the linguistics of Christianity it should not be in order to get people to believe what we believe and to become what we have become. Instead we should consider what our own words tell us about our own limitations and convictions. We should not consider our language for persuasion of others, so much as for persuasion of our own souls. For from the heart and tongue come words that should be shepherded and watched and guarded.

Luke 6:45
A good person produces good deeds from a good heart, and an evil person produces evil deeds from an evil heart. Whatever is in your heart determines what you say.

Matthew 15:18
But evil words come from an evil heart and defile the person who says them

James 1:26
If you claim to be religious but don't control your tongue, you are just fooling yourself, and your religion is worthless.

James 3:2
We all make many mistakes, but those who control their tongues can also control themselves in every other way.

1 Peter 3:10
For the Scriptures say, "If you want a happy life and good days, keep your tongue from speaking evil, and keep your lips from telling lies.

For sure, we should guard our tongue and seriously consider what comes out when it has the possibility of causing some to stumble, others to be cut too deeply, and yet others be offended.

It is because we love others that we consider the Linguistics of Christianity. We want to bless rather than curse, to encourage rather than discourage, to gently rebuke rather than be judgmental without having love. Because we love others we consider them over ouselves. God is the only one who will change hearts, and since he wants us to be His voice in many instances, we must carefully guard the gates of our mouth and learn to speak the language of love, justice, mercy, forgiveness, beauty & truth. And in many aspects it will be how we say things that communicate these values in the Christian and secular community.

Missional vs Attractional Language

Is it really all just semantics?

Attractional Church:

Mindset: We own the turf, we would love to have you on our terms. Come on is and check it out, we have great programs for you. We are a welcoming church concerned about the needs of every person who walks in that door. We have to present a good image before others so that His light will be made known. We are a city on a hill.

1. You really should go to church.
2. Will you come to this church event with us?
3. We have good programs at church for people struggling with drugs.
4. Did you know Jesus loves you?
5. Let me tell you about Christ.
6. Prayer: God help my friends in need want to come to church.
7. We need to have more events or services for people in our church.
8. Our church is the missionfield.



Missional Church:

Mindset: We are the aliens in our land, and we will come to them on thier terms so long as we can honor God in it. Go out into the world and be involved in the community in real and natural ways. You and your faithfulness to God is the program, and we will do all we can to help you in your growth. We are concerned with every one that will one day walk through God's kingdom doors. Our image will be of normal people in the normal process of God's sanctification. We are but lights in a city.

1. Can we hang out on Saturday.
2. Would you like to come over dinner tomorrow night?
3. Can I pray for your son who is struggling with drugs right now.
4. Did you guys know that me and my wife really love you guys, you are good friends.
5. I wasn't pressuring you about knowing Christ cause I hoped you would just see him in my life.
6. God help my church go out to my friends who are in need.
7. We need to go out and meet the needs in our community.
8. Our mission field is the neighborhood.