Ever since God gave mankind life on this earth, words have formed the basis of communication. Whether by mouth or sign, people have expressed ideas, information and influence as best they could.
While speech in itself is remarkable, some people are very good at it. Consider what this man says, and whether or not you’ve heard or read similar words:
1) “Freedom is the possession of those who have the courage to defend it.”
2) “Just because you do not take an interest in politics doesn’t mean politics won’t take an interest in you.”
3) “Wealth is to be properly used, not just something to boast about.”
4) “Time is the wisest counselor of all.”
5) “What you leave behind is not what is engraven on monuments, but what is woven into the lives of others.”
Pericles, the man who uttered these profound words, lived 2500 years ago. He was one of the most prominent and influential of Greek statesmen during its Golden Age, and his ideals turned Athens into an empire. Besides being an outstanding General, Pericles promoted the arts and literature, helping Athens become the educational and cultural center of the ancient Greek world. A champion of democracy, his projects on the Acropolis included the majestic Parthenon.
Pericles spoke many more such brilliant concepts that have endured through the ages, and yet his words compare little to the words of a carpenter from Nazareth. The reason is simple: Jesus’ words go past this life and into eternity. Earthly life can be amazing to experience, but eternal life in the presence of God offers hope and joy we cannot find this side of eternity.
1 Peter 1:24-25 says, “All flesh is like grass and all its glory like the flower of grass. The grass withers, and the flower falls, but the word of the Lord remains forever.”
History has heard some remarkable thoughts from people such as Pericles, but his words cannot compare in significance to those of Jesus.
Don't you wish someone today could speak so eloquently?
While speech in itself is remarkable, some people are very good at it. Consider what this man says, and whether or not you’ve heard or read similar words:
1) “Freedom is the possession of those who have the courage to defend it.”
2) “Just because you do not take an interest in politics doesn’t mean politics won’t take an interest in you.”
3) “Wealth is to be properly used, not just something to boast about.”
4) “Time is the wisest counselor of all.”
5) “What you leave behind is not what is engraven on monuments, but what is woven into the lives of others.”
Pericles, the man who uttered these profound words, lived 2500 years ago. He was one of the most prominent and influential of Greek statesmen during its Golden Age, and his ideals turned Athens into an empire. Besides being an outstanding General, Pericles promoted the arts and literature, helping Athens become the educational and cultural center of the ancient Greek world. A champion of democracy, his projects on the Acropolis included the majestic Parthenon.
Pericles spoke many more such brilliant concepts that have endured through the ages, and yet his words compare little to the words of a carpenter from Nazareth. The reason is simple: Jesus’ words go past this life and into eternity. Earthly life can be amazing to experience, but eternal life in the presence of God offers hope and joy we cannot find this side of eternity.
1 Peter 1:24-25 says, “All flesh is like grass and all its glory like the flower of grass. The grass withers, and the flower falls, but the word of the Lord remains forever.”
History has heard some remarkable thoughts from people such as Pericles, but his words cannot compare in significance to those of Jesus.
Don't you wish someone today could speak so eloquently?
Rev. Bob Tasler, www.bobtasler.com
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