Superlatives! Bully Pulpits

See how great a forest a little fire kindles! And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity. The tongue is so set among our members that it defiles the whole body, and sets on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire by hell... It is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison.

James 3:5-6,8 (NKJV)

Your enemies have opened their mouth against you; They hiss and gnash their teeth. They say, 'We have swallowed her up!'

Lamentations 2:16 (NKJV)

In earlier years, “bully” was a superlative tribute. Originally, it meant 'EXCELLENT, or A SWEETHEART...' as in 'Bravo! Bully for you,' or 'My bully boy.' 

Today, it means 'a person who hurts, persecutes or intimidates weaker people.'

  • Satan twisted ‘bully’s’ brighter meaning, because he’s the author of confusion.*

Do you know what a “bully pulpit” means? (President Teddy Roosevelt coined it.)

In essence, it’s a platform of power: the 'power of persuasion... to exhort, instruct or inspire' (Merriam-Webster Dictionary). Originally, it was used for good– by speakers, preachers, and politicians.

Now, it’s often used to beat or badger. Among worldly leaders, we should expect it. But among Christian leaders, we should NOT.

When pastors switch sweet hearts for poison darts, they hiss like the serpent who inspires them.

Bottom line: superlatives have power. They’re meant to be used with thoughtful caution. Because when bullies hurl destructive darts, the wound is painful and so hard to heal. 

  • (Victims aren’t dressed with the armor of God– but armor shouldn’t be needed in church!)

Actors, models, and talent for Christ: You’ve been assigned to a bully pulpit. The fields of media hold more power than any president, pope, or pastor.

Remember its original meaning: to inspire and point listeners upward.

Our foremost enemy developed this communication technology--to hit billions of kids between the eyes.

But what the devil intended for harm, 'God meant it for good in order to bring about this present result, to preserve many people alive' (Genesis 50:20).

So get busy! Multiply the Lord’s talents! Use His shield of faith to cover others.

  • Because 'Love covers a multitude of sins' (1 Peter 4:8).

  • Because 'Love never fails' (1 Corinthians 13:8).

  • Because lost people need a Champion.

  • Because you’re His chosen ambassadors.

  • Because Jesus gave you bully pulpits.

Superlatives! Bully Pulpits (Part 4)

* Meanings of the word, 'bully': http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/bully?s=t

NOTE: This is a 2023 update of a 2013 Carey Lewis Devotion. You may see notes to 'Actors, Models & Talent for Christ.' If you think you're not in show business, think again. Shakespeare said, 'All the world's a stage and all its men and women merely players. Mostly true. But you're not merely players. You are messengers and ambassadors for the King of kings.

Carey Arban