Our Accents by Steve Laman

Our Accents April 4, 2019 Read: Matthew 26:69-75 After a little while, those standing there went up to Peter and said, “Surely you are one of them; your accent gives you away.” (v. 73 NIV) When it was time to replace the special device I use for communication, I contacted the company that I have used for years. Their latest device is called the Accent. At first, I didn’t give this product name much thought, not until I was reintroduced to the story of Peter denying Jesus. Then I realized what a perfect name it was for a speech device. The servant girl and the others who were standing around the fire the night Jesus was arrested quickly picked Peter out as one who was with the Savior by the way he talked. His Gali­lean accent gave him away. Few people would just walk the four-day or so journey from Nazareth in Galilee to Jerusalem. Plus, his accent was probably stronger when he called down curses and emphatically swore that he didn’t know Jesus. No matter what he said, people could tell that he was with the Nazarene. When I use my Accent speech device, people right away know that I have trouble communicating. You could say I have an “accent.” Similarly, when we talk, can people recognize us as followers of Christ? Do we use uplifting words that are kind and full of grace? Or does the way we talk sound like the rest of the world? Peter’s accent betrayed him as a follower. Can the people we communicate with identify us as Christians? —Steve Laman As you pray, ask the Lord to help you speak in a way that represents him well.