Today we bring to a close this series on “Toning Down the Rhetoric.”  This last “step” is, in a way, a summary of all that has been said thus far.  The last step: Seek righteousness (Matthew 6:33) – the righteousness of God in Christ Jesus.

Why is this so important in toning down the rhetoric?  It’s important because the effect of righteousness is peace and quietness (Isaiah 32:17) – peace within our own soul, peace with God, peace among men, and even peace with our enemies (Proverbs 16:7).

At risk of oversimplifying what I mean here by “righteousness,” I use the term to refer to Christ-likeness.  To be righteous in this way is to think and do (even speak) as Christ would think and do.  Such righteousness is the work of the Spirit implanting His Word into our heart, mind, and spirit, transforming us evermore into the likeness of Christ.  As we receive and act upon His Word (biblical instruction on how to speak to one another), we’ll find rhetoric being toned down.

A helpful exhortation is found in Titus 2:7-8, which reads “Show yourself in all respects a model of good deeds . . .and sound speech that cannot be censured, so that an opponent may be put to shame, having nothing evil to say to us.”

When biblical principles of communication are employed, opponents are disarmed of their vitriolic rhetoric.  All this is the result of righteousness.

Yes, the effect of righteousness will be peace, peace among men, for righteousness will change the way we view one another and how we speak to one another.  In righteousness, we will see them evermore as Christ sees them.  And we’ll speak to them evermore as Christ would speak to them, using words and tone that melt hard hearts of stone.  We will speak to them, yes, even to our opponents, with words and tone adorned with love, kindness, respect, and dignity; we will use words and tone that edify, and that build up rather than tear down.

Seeking righteousness will have this effect on us, serving mightily in toning down the rhetoric.

“Search me, O God, and know my heart!  Try me and know my thoughts!  And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting!” (Psalm 139:23-24)