What's It Mean?

Our language is full of many words, some of which we are quite familiar, while others we may not use much if at all. Perhaps there are specific words others associate with us because we use them frequently. Some words may be "nugatory" (meaning "of little or no consequence) while others are of great significance in relation to the growth of our lives.

According to a recent newspaper article, "nugatory" was one of 2009's top words among those looked up on Merriam-Webster's online dictionary based in Springfield, Massachusetts. The word that took first place for having sent people rushing to the Internet in search of its meaning was the word "ADMONISH", a word meaning "to express warning or disapproval in a gentle, earnest, or solicitous manner." The use of this word arose in connection with a particular political situation and then continued to be used in the House of Representatives and also blogs even after it was no longer front page news. The news article reporting on the attention drawn to this word noted some people may have needed a definition while others simply wanted to see how the word "ADMONISH" might be distinguished from the words "scold" or rebuke".

Is the word "ADMONISH" of significance to us? Though we might be ADMONISHED when it is not needed, are we open to it when it is?

As Paul wrote to the church at Corinth that struggled in a number of ways, he stated. . .
"I do not write these things to make you ashamed, but TO ADMONISH YOU AS MY BELOVED CHILDREN." ( 1 Corinthians 4:14 ESV)

In his letter to the church at Thessalonica Paul urged. . .
"And we urge you, brothers, ADMONISH THE IDLE, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, be patient with them all." ( 1 Thessalonians 5:14 ESV)

The Greek word translated "ADMONISH" in both of these passages is "noutheteo" and means "to put to mind" or "warn". [W.E. Vine's Expository Dictionary of N.T. Words] ("nous" is "mind" or "understanding") To ADMONISH is to bring to mind what may not be clear so that proper changes can take place.

We can even give and receive ADMONISHMENT when we assemble together as Christians. Paul noted how when he wrote. . .

"Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, TEACHING AND ADMONISHING ONE ANOTHER IN ALL WISDOM, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God." ( Colossians 3:16 ESV)

As we sing from our hymn books, some of the words we sing are intended to ADMONISH; clearly bring to mind the things that will redirect the actions of our lives. What a gentle way to deal with that need. In order to grow there are times we need to be ADMONISHED. It may have been the word for 2009, but let it be significant to us for life. May we always be open to that redirection.

Have a great day KNOWING THE WORD AND OPEN TO ITS BENEFIT!
Carl

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("teEn-MAIL" is sent out daily by Carl Hanson, preacher for the Church of Christ in Port Townsend, Washington, USA, located at 230 A Street, Port Townsend, WA 98368. Come visit us if in the area. www.porttownsendchurchofchrist.org)

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