Lost Voice - Part II

I had an opportunity the weekend I lost my voice to reflect on ways in which I use my words. The Spirit guided these reflections and exhorted change in some instances. I have a big ego and can be boastful. Having a big ego and being a fighter pilot is recipe for disaster. Here are a couple of jokes, which I find funny because they are true. How do you know a fighter pilot is in the room? ... He will tell you. How do you know your date with a fighter pilot is half over? ... When he says, "enough about me, let's talk about my jet." 

When boasting, you use pretentious words to create a false image upon which you (and others) may put their trust. It is false because it cannot save at the last day and the strength will ultimately fail. When I boast, I distract attention from God to me. I let "What-I-Do" become "Who-I-Am," fashioning an idol in my own image, for me and others to worship. Idols can be more than just the work of men's hands (Psalm 135), they can be fashioned using men's words as well. 

When a man puts himself in between you and the Lord, he becomes (in Hebrew) al pana, or "before me" or "before my face/in my presence", the definition of idolatry. An idolater cannot behold the face of God, for their view is blocked by idols. The idol cannot behold God for they are facing the wrong way. The idol stands directly between you and the Lord, facing the man with his back to God as he boasts to the man of his powers and priesthoods. 

Boasting in strengths and achievements, whatever they may be, puts trust in the false image of man's strength, which is fickle indeed (LDS 2 Nephi 4:34). Read the post "Defending Zion" if in doubt of that (2 Kings 18:20-21 for thoughts on trusting in a superpower). 

"Who-I-Am" is your true identity. To the Egyptians, this was Ka, as represented by two upraised arms, showing the duality of your Being (soul), a physical body and a spiritual body intertwined together. The physical body was Khat, an essential part of your soul (which is incomplete without it). When people see you they recognize your physical features and call you by your given name (or nickname if you have one). Ka is your spiritual body and it too has a name, a new name, and this name represents who you really are. The Egyptians believed that knowing this true name gave power over the person (see also Judges 13:18 and Gen 32:39. Another reading of this states: "Why do you ask my name? It is too wonderful"). The new name was an understanding of who the person really is, their role in the cosmos, and so much more. It reveals the wonders they can or do perform (Isa 9:6). 

With our words we can create false images (idols) or we can use our words to call attention to the Lord. By calling attention to idols, we may lead people to depend on mortal strengths based on our worldly achievements or the titles we hold. 

When we speak of the Lord, we can encourage each other to turn and face Him.

Too often, and too recently, I have used words to be mean, low, condescending, boastful, and used my words to create false images and idols. I was grateful to the Spirit which recalled specific memories, words, and instances to view these shortcomings and ponder change.