As Americans, we like to focus a lot upon the heart, upon what our innermost feelings are, upon what we actually think. It's part of modern American culture -- but it's a part that makes some things in the church harder to understand.
We know that we can't judge each other's hearts -- I'm sure you've heard that phrase often. But what we can and often do is look at a person's words.
I will go back to the wedding well one more time. I was at a wedding - I officiated at a wedding. Why did I do so? Had I judged their hearts to make sure that they were really in love? Nope. Not at all. In fact, that's not the point at all. I didn't worry about the emotion of love or the truth of their hearts -- I paid attention to one thing.
What they said.
And that's what I directed the folks to listen to as well -- as they have given their vows, I pronounce them to be husband and wife. On the basis of what? Their... vows. Their words.
Or consider Confirmation -- what is that? Words. Or the installation of a pastor -- words. Or even Confession and Absolution - on the basis of this... this what? This, your confession. This, your words.
Everything in the Church revolves around words - be that the Word of God which gives and creates life and faith, or be it the words of our response. We see things through the lens of words. So no, I cannot judge your heart - but I can hear your words, and I will speak God's Word of Law and Gospel, God's No and God's Yes, in accordance with what you have spoken.
Which is why we sing, "O Lord, open my lips" -- because without Him, all our words would be but horrible dross.
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