17 of 19 verses in Psalm 51 are a long list of magic words about how to be saved. They are the basis of many a salvation prayer offered up in various ways by pastors as they encourage sinners to enter into the kingdom of God. Some have even gone so far as to admit there are no magic words but give some form of Psalm 51 briefly. It is a good read. What did Jesus say?

Luke 18:13-14 English Standard Version (ESV) But the tax collector, standing far off, would not even lift up his eyes to heaven, but beat his breast, saying, ‘God, be merciful to me, a sinner!’ I tell you, this man went down to his house justified, rather than the other. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but the one who humbles himself will be exalted.”

That is a very short and to the point sinners prayer. No elaborating on the things upon which salvation is based. No need to acknowledge the presence and deity of Christ, no comment about His death on the cross because at this point Christ had not died. So what is required?

My words were perhaps even simpler than the tax collector. “I don’t want to be like this.”

God knew my heart, knew my fear, knew my problem and answered me instantly. I was changed the very moment I raised my hand at the altar call. I knew I was changed but I did not know how. I knew I had done nothing different. God changed me, I did not change myself.

Did every aspect of my character change? No. There was a drastic change that allowed me to believe God did something I could not do for myself. The particulars are not as important as the acknowledgement. Your needs may be different than mine and it is important that your salvation given of God be known to you.

That was only the first step of many in my conformance.

Luke 20:20 English Standard Version (ESV) So they watched him and sent spies, who pretended to be sincere, that they might catch him in something he said, so as to deliver him up to the authority and jurisdiction of the governor.

One could have expected a verse about end time plagues with a title like infections. This verse better serves to address my intentions. We get caught up in words silently and with little notice because after all they are just words.

During this pandemic we have seen that it infects people two weeks before symptoms appear. People are spreading the infection without even being aware that they have been infected. We cannot trust anyone for fear of infection.

So what does that have to do with words? As a devotional writer I have a responsibility to God to present His Word in relevant terms to the life we live as Christians and sinners. Coming to Christ is the only thing that matters. Being this new creation in Christ is to be exampled in how we live, to encourage each other and attract the lost to the family of God. We are to be welcoming.

These times have caused me to use words and verses that border on fear mongering. I may not have crossed the line but my heart tells me I have strayed too far afield of my calling. At times I feel like I am close to making a sandwich board with “The End is Coming!” written on both sides.

No one should be made to fear to come to Christ, not like that. Our lives are meant to share love, not fear. What I might know about bible prophecy should be used to encourage not frighten. What I am unsure about was not meant to spread fear and doubt. It should spur me on to spread the gospel of Christ all the more, not less.

If I have infected anyone with my words, please know the Jesus is our great healer. Turn to Him.