“If anyone speaks, let him speak as the oracles of God” (1 Peter 4:11).
The short word! That’s what oracles means. In the original Greek, logion (log’-ee-on) is defined as “a brief, terse, succinct, concise or short utterance.”
It is one thing to have an answer, it is another thing to be able to give that answer without turning it into a long, drawn-out, elaborate discourse. If anyone speaks, let him speak as the logion of God, as one who delivers a direct and honest word.
Thayer’s Greek-English lexicon tells us that all prophecies in New Testament times were brief (and to the point). In this same epistle, Peter urges us to always be ready to give an answer for the hope that is in us as believers. That answer does not need to be an hour-long dissertation. It should be the logion of God, a short, concise word.
I remember with painful amusement a question and answer session I participated in as a guest on CBN’s 700 Club. At that time, Israel had just invaded Lebanon and the whole world was carefully watching the outcome. A lady in the studio audience asked me point blank, “Will this incident speed up the coming of the Lord?”
As I look back upon the question, I realize that I could have answered it with a simple yes or no. Just that easy! Instead, I stammered around for three or four minutes and never did answer the lady’s question. In that situation, I certainly was not an oracle.
Let’s be oracles. Let’s speak as the logion of God. Let’s make our words brief and to the point!
Excerpt permission granted by Harrison House Publishers
Dick Mills was ordained at The International Church of the Foursquare Gospel in 1949. He and his wife Betty traveled as evangelists all over the United States, Canada, Mexico, Latin America, Europe, and Australia. Dick and Betty are now home in heaven.
In 1966 Dick and Betty became a part of the then-emerging Charismatic Renewal. Passing through all denominational barriers, Dick has had the opportunity to speak in thousands of churches of varied backgrounds all over the world.
He ministered within several Christian organizations, including the Full Gospel Business Men, Women's Aglow, Inter-church Renewal Catholic Pentecostals, mainline Charismatic groups, CBN and TBN television networks, and many other independent Christian TV stations.
Dick appeared on numerous radio talk shows, written several magazine articles, and spoke at many Bible conferences and universities. He served as an adjunct professor at six Schools of the Bible and Seminaries.
In addition, Dick authored and co-authored several books and tapes. Dick's ministry was characterized by the unique gifts God has blessed him with. His services informed, enlightened, and motivated people to a higher level of commitment to God.