Knock On Wood

Knock On Wood

The almost nightly occurence would start with my dad recounting a story of someone having a problem or getting into trouble. My mom would then make a comment somewhat to the effect of "that'll never happen in our family". And then, almost simultaneously, they would both say "knock on wood" and knock on the kitchen table. My dad was a little more careful; he would knock under the table, on the real wood, no varnished finish for him when he was tempting fate.

If you're thinking it was only something our family did, consider this. In Finland, it's called "koputtaa puuta", in France "toucher du bois" and in Turkey "tahtaya vur". In Poland, it's very specific, "odpukac w niemalowane", which means knocking on unpainted wood. It seems that the Poles take no chances when it comes to saying something that is just a little prideful and might get you in trouble.

What really intrigues me though is how even the most unlikely person seems to realize that making a prideful statement can be dangerous. It's like acknowledging God even when you don't follow him or make him a part of your life. The Bible says that "God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble". We want to be alert to when our words reveal an area of pride that has arisen in our hearts. We want to say like Paul 'there go I but for the grace of God".

As far as knocking on wood, I've adopted a new policy. When what I'm about to say might require a "knock on wood", I don't say it, plain and simple, it gets deleted before it ever comes out. But there's a lesson here that goes beyond knocking on wood. Our words have incredible power. Proverbs 18:21 tells us that "life and death are in the power of the tongue". Our words have the power to heal and the power to wound, the power to encourage and lift someone up, and the power to discourage and drag someone down.

What we say can and does make a big difference both in our lives and in the lives of others. Mark Twain said "I can live two months on a good compliment". No doubt we can all relate to that. Isaiah 50:4 speaks of "the word that sustains the weary". I want to challenge each one of us to use the power of our words to bring life and hope, strength and encouragement to those around us.

God Bless,
Pastor Joe
Gateway Church