A Living Translation
There are advantages and disadvantages to having been born in the Southern part of the United States. When I preach in regions such as Michigan and Minnesota, where my Southern accent is quite noticeable, sometimes it is necessary for people to have an interpreter in order to understand my English. I find this charming, they find it funny and we all just have a great time.
As part of our ministry at Rivers of the World (ROW), we present the Jesus film to people worldwide. There are 986 languages translated in the Jesus film project. When we presented the film in the jungles of the Congo, we had to choose just one language. We selected Lingala, a language spoken in areas along the Congo River.
When we show the film in Lingala and there are people there who speak a different language, such as Otetela, I am always amazed that someone will simply stand up and start translating the Jesus film so that others also understand.
Even here in the United States, people speak different languages because of their age, their society or culture. I encourage you to take the time to find a way to interpret the Gospel for someone today. This does not always mean we have to translate the Bible or quote Scripture to someone. It is far more important for us to be “living translations” of the Bible for others to “read.”
Let us follow Christ’s instructions in Matthew 5:14-16:
“You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.”
