4 minute read
“Smooth talk from an evil heart is like glaze on cracked pottery.” (Provers 26:23 NIV)
Evil hearts produce smooth talk.
Halloween dates back 2,000 years; its roots are the Celtic festival of Samhain. On October 31, 1517, Martin Luther changed the Christian religion’s face when he posted his 95 Theses in Wittenburg, known as Reformation Day. He wrote a list of 95 questions for debate, what resulted was the Protestant Reformation. Luther fought for the Bible’s translation and distribution to the common man, not just priests. For Christ-followers, Luther paved the way for people to follow Jesus with their thoughts. Rather than depending on the priest’s interpretation of the scriptures, Luther opened the door for people to read and interpret scripture themselves. But when we think of Oct. 31st, we think of Halloween.
Smooth talk’s evilness is subtle, misdirecting our attention. Halloween’s appeal to our human nature diverts our attention from one of the most significant historical events for a Christ-follower. Because of Martin Luther, we can discover Jesus on our own, through the sacred words of those who knew Him personally. But that isn’t what October 31st is known for today. Amazing how things change yet don’t change at the same time. Evil versus good is a battle that never ends.
Good always wins.
Evil hearts never get far. Whether words or actions, good always prevails. Smooth talkers are easy to identify. Typically, they won’t let you get a word in edgewise and have an answer for everything. Working for New York, I met a lot of smooth talkers. Things happen fast in the city, making life easier for smooth talkers to thrive, less accountability. But even in the city, good always wins.
When I first started working for Nautica, I remember my first trip alone to the city. Many smooth talkers in my life had convinced me I wouldn’t survive the journey. My fears verbalized in their warnings. A doctor’s visit provided valium for the trip; my nerves were so shot. But I will never forget the moment I knew God was with me. Standing in the aisle of the plane after landing in NY, my cell phone buzzed. Frank, the associate pastor of the church I was attending, was the caller. When I answered, I’ll never forget what he said to me. “I just called to tell you; God is in New York too.” He knew of my anxiety, was praying for me, and felt compelled to call and say those words to me. God always wins.
Smooth talk may come from an evil heart, but God will always prevail. We might remember Halloween more than the Reformation, but that doesn’t mean it didn’t happen. Scripture stands the test of time; smooth talk doesn’t.
Question of the Day:
What battle has God won for you lately?
Further Reading: Lamentations 4-5 NIV, Hebrews 2:1-18 NIV, Psalm 103 NIV, Proverbs 26:23 NIV
