Resources/Articles
Antidisestablishmentarianism
When I was a child, this word was the ultimate in spelling words. It was hard to say, much less spell. “Antidisestablishmentarianism” is an amazing word. It is not one we use in America very much. It refers to the disestablishment of the Church of England. It formerly means “the doctrine or political position that opposes the withdrawal of state recognition of an established church.” The definition is almost as difficult as spelling the word itself. I never knew what it meant until now. The meaning never seemed to interest me, seeing I could not spell it. Maybe if I learned its definition and how to spell it, it would have made me look smart...
Do we need excellent, majestic words to obtain an understanding of the God whose ways and thoughts are higher than ours (Isaiah 55:8,9)? It was not the type of words Paul taught those in Corinth. “And I, brethren, when I came unto you, came not with excellency of speech or of wisdom, proclaiming to you the testimony of God. For I determined not to know anything among you, save Jesus Christ and Him crucified” (1 Corinthians 2:1,2). The phrase “excellence of speech” is the translation of Greek words meaning “high-sounding words” or “pompous speech.” This implies the use of words to exalt self instead of to instruct others. Paul was a scholar and learned man in the law of Moses. He could have wooed people to his side with impressive descriptions and eloquent words to make others believe he understood more the deep things of God. Paul was not determined to impress, but to minister to the people with the most moving and valuable message known to man. They were well chosen words about Jesus the Son of God who died to redeem man from the worst disease in history - SIN.
Let what Paul did serve as an example of what we need to learn and teach. Grow in the knowledge of God, no for knowledge’s sake, but for righteousness’ sake. Allow the heart-piercing inspired words of God reach deep and move us toward salvation and godliness. Meditate upon the admonitions of the prophets, the words about the cross, and the authority of the apostles. Let these well chosen words not just be words which “make us smart,” but become illustrations in godly, holy, and righteous living.
