I have been reading a great book entitled “Words that Work” by Frank Luntz.  It is a discussion of how language changes, the difference one word or expression can make, and how it affects the way we live.  Today I read a couple of illustrations that say so much about our society.

In one place, he talked about the city of Las Vegas.  He said that in the 90’s the city promoted itself as a family place.  They tried to send the message that it was an entertaining and wholesome place for the entire family.  The gambling was only a part of what goes on there.  Now they are using the statement, “What happens in Vegas stays in Vegas.”  It is now touted as a place where a person can cut loose because the normal rules do not apply.  This is a reaction to the direction our culture is moving.  The American public has obviously convinced them that we are looking for opportunities to throw away our values.  In many cases that is true.

Another example had to do with the use of the words, “liquor” and “spirits.”   Liquor carries with it some bad mental pictures, while the word “spirits” has the picture of celebration and happiness.  It promotes a warm connection between people.

What we see in these situations is a clear attempt to dumb down our culture and move away from a commitment to any value system, particularly Christian.  You may not see this as a major move, but it is definitely a step in the wrong direction.

While all of this is happening, we continue to have a story to tell.  More than ever, our culture needs to hear about he power of the gospel of Jesus Christ.  The world encourage us to be our own source of authority.  At the same time we have built into us a desire to know the living God.  They must hear the story from us.  It is so exciting to hear so many of our people using that phrase,  “I told them my story.”   We have the good news to share and people do want to hear it!