Words.

The picture (below) has been doing the rounds on Facebook; it has inspired me to re-post (with edits):

Words have no intrinsic value. 

The arbitrary arrangement of letters and phonics, though steeped in rich etymological history, in the end mean nothing. Language exists not in the writing down, but rather, in the taking up.

When we write, and we do so often write, we veil our thoughts in heavy cloth. Some folk may, through eloquence or loquacity, craft more delicate silk to hold their ideas, but nonetheless, we can never truly know their intentions, their ideas, their mind. We can only know the outline of their thoughts. The shape underneath the drape of language remains to us merely a shape, we cannot know what lies beneath.

This is a problem, for People of The Book.

Yet, despite our ignorance, and despite our lack of seeing - we can expand our understanding.

We can, become acquainted with the author. We can grow to understand them, their motivation, desires, and passions; which can give us greater insight into what lies beneath the veil of words. Yet, our understanding of the author may be tainted, by our own prejudices, and expectations.

We must be humble, and subject ourselves to those who have known him longer. Not in hierarchy, but in love, earnestly seeking to understand those who understand. Those who understand must likewise seek those who understand more fully, and also those with fresh eyes. Together we can pool our senses, our thoughts, and our experience.

Scripture is therefore a community project.

(Best undertaken around a barbecue.)