My husband’s father was Irish. Along with his heritage, my father-in-law passed on the tradition of celebrating Saint Patrick’s Day by making corn beef and cabbage. In our house, there is no eating that meal alone – our children invite themselves! I enjoy the fun of decorating my entryway for such holidays - for my grandchildren, of course. So, while out perusing the “dollar” store, I came across a little banner that says, “Not Lucky, Just Blessed.” It was cheap; I bought it. Far from the holy day originally observed, American Saint Patrick’s Day celebrations have been secularized. Here in the U.S., it is “St. Patty’s Day,” and involves leprechauns, shamrocks, pots of gold, and the “luck of the Irish!” I thought the little banner might at least serve as a nod to the original intent, as Saint Patrick was a missionary and is considered the Apostle of Ireland.
Although I am not Irish, “good luck” was imbedded in my vocabulary at an early age. To me, it was an almost expected comment made when you wanted things to go well with another’s endeavor – or to be polite, even when you didn’t. I was curious about where the phrase originated so, next stop… Google. According to the Web [1], the term was first derived from the Dutch word “gheluc” meaning “good fortune,” and was most likely associated with gambling. It may have taken on a more sincere meaning later, when applied to the hazards of mining. Whether sincere or not, the term is simply a way for us to insert into another’s experience our approval. Even if we mean well however, there is no power in those words. In fact, some take great offense at the idea of fate (by chance or perceived destiny) having anything to do with their outcome – especially if a great amount of energy was put into the preparation. It is also very offensive to some Christians, as they feel it is a direct affront to the sovereignty of God.
I learned that lesson [2] in an embarrassing way (as many of life’s lessons are learned), as a “spiritual baby” Christian. Briefly talking to a missionary visiting our church, I was feeling the pressure to wrap things up quickly as the line behind me was starting to grow. Having thanked her for her visit, I walked away realizing I had not offered a kind word about her finishing the journey she had begun. Without thinking, I threw out the words, “good luck!” She immediately changed her stance and remarked, “luck has nothing to do with it.” Her response was so sharp and so, might I say “scornful,” I slunk away like I was a child to whom had been given a reprimand. My embarrassment had less to do with her opinion, and more to do with the surrounding church members who overheard. Although it stung for a few days, her words eventually taught me more about how not to respond to someone sincerely offering up “well-wishes,” but teach me they did. Once I got over my embarrassment, I realized mature Christians don’t use such terminology when it comes to the work of God. Although, I am still more lenient than some.
As I was not raised in a “Spirit-filled” Christian home, it had never occurred to me that my words could matter spiritually. I had not yet learned my words could actually be of significance to the outcome of someone else’s need or endeavor. While our words can, and often do affect other’s emotions – either positively or negatively - they only have power over those that allow (children excepted). If we want to become more like Jesus, there are words we can use that instead of being empty, actually wield the power of the Holy Spirit. Words spoken in spirit, truth and love are a blessing to another. Such words are carefully selected, offered both to the recipient and to God in prayer.
Obviously, well-meaning Christians, new and mature, do throw out a quick word intending it to be a blessing. Such as the popular and well-intentioned, “God bless you” after a sneeze, or the “I’ll pray for you” when unable (or unwilling) to take the time right then to pray. We are all guilty of such actions, and unfortunately it has become the Christian social norm. We leave out the power though, if our response is simply mechanical, or we never actually pray. Our faith walk is certainly an up and down journey – with so much need for grace – but we must keep trying, learning and growing!
Feel the difference between someone casually saying, “God bless you,” and someone laying a hand on your arm while looking you in the eye, and genuinely saying, “God bless you.” Imagine, rather than hearing (often well-intentioned) empty promises of future prayer, someone actually stopping to listen to your needs and lifting them up, with you, to the Lord. I have too often failed at doing this myself. I have also too often forgotten to pray when I said I will; until I am reminded, after the circumstances have passed. I take comfort in knowing God is in all time. When I realize I forgot, I send a prayer back through time. Praise the God who can cover our failures!
A dear man and great prayer warrior in my church family once told a story about how his mentor caught him saying, “I’ll pray for you” to another. His mentor asked him, “Are you going to pray?” Taken aback, my friend said, “I had plan to,” to which his mentor replied, “I hope so. If you tell someone you are going to pray for them, you darn well better pray!” His story has really stuck with me, causing me to pray far more often on the spot - whether in person, after hearing or reading a prayer request. If not then, it had better be on my calendar, with an alarm set, because I know how forgetful I am, and how distracting life can be!
James tells in in James 5:16b, “…The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.” Prayer is serious business to God. It is one way we wield our sword in the unseen world; one way we fight the spiritual battle going on in this world and in Heaven. When we offer prayers to God, He hears us and acts. The power of the Holy Spirit comes upon the situation and does whatever God commands. We may not always get to see the results, and God may not always answer the way we want; but He always hears, always responds. What an awesome God we serve!
I am still working on seizing every opportunity I get to pray with others, and I am hoping the time I have spent here will have set it on my heart. I challenge you to do the same! As people celebrate Saint Patrick’s Day around you this year, I hope you also take the opportunity to share with others, the God you rely on instead of luck. Share your blessings so they may see God’s faithfulness. I think Saint Patrick would like that, don’t you?!
[2] The story I shared was not intended to shame anyone. It was simply a good example of how words can be effective or ineffective, either helpful or hurtful.
Comments