Bellwether ˗˗ the word bounces around in my mind. As the title of a book by a favorite author, I recall looking up the meaning of this unfamiliar word. I discovered that long ago it was common practice for shepherds to hang a bell around the neck of one sheep in their flock, thereby designating it the lead sheep. This animal was called the bellwether, a word formed by a combination of the Middle English words belle, meaning "bell" and wether, a noun that refers to a male sheep that has been neutered. The sound of the bell worn by the lead sheep would indicate to a shepherd where the flock had roamed. Bellwether eventually became the term for one who leads a group as a forerunner or actively establishes a trend that is taken up by others.
As Christian writers, we can look to Jesus Christ as our bellwether, not only for personal spiritual leadership, but also as One who goes before us in our calling to write. How does the leadership of Jesus influence us as writers?
His Father God created words as the agents to speak the world into existence. Genesis 1, the creation chapter of the Bible, repeats the words,“God said” ten times, establishing the power of God’s spoken word. He chose to communicate His plan of redemption through the written words of Scripture, recorded by men through the inspiration of His Holy Spirit. Jesus Himself is called the Word, the ultimate expression of God’s love for us. (John 1) Our very faith is sustained by His words, for “faith comes from hearing, and hearing by the word of Christ.” (Rom. 10:17 NASB)
Because Christianity is a word-centred faith conveyed through the written language of the Scriptures, we can look to its central figure, Jesus Christ, for leadership in how we practice our craft. Jesus’ basic motivation was love for His followers. Everything He said and did flowed from His great heart of love for those He created. When we write with the purpose of conveying God’s love to others, no matter the genre or style, direct or nuanced, we follow Jesus as our ultimate example. In John 13:1-17, Jesus turns the established concept of leadership on its head by washing the feet of His disciples, a lowly task done only by servants. Here He is shown to be the prototype of servant leadership.
“Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet. I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you.” (John 13:13-14 NIV)
Christ has spoken, so we speak. He has written, so we write ˗˗ not that we could ever transcend the words of God, but seek to explain them, convey their truth and celebrate them, so others are drawn to Christ. We write to serve Christ.
“What we proclaim is not ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord, with ourselves as your servants for Jesus’s sake.” (2 Cor. 4:5)
The word bellwether refers to a trendsetter, someone who shows how a situation will develop or change in the future. Because Jesus has gone before us, we can look to Him, the author and finisher of our faith. (Heb. 12:2) We don’t have to create from scratch, rather we work to find fresh ways to express ancient truths, telling in new ways the old, old story of Jesus and His love.
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What a lovely and intriquing post, dear Valerie.
ReplyDeleteBellwether is new to me.
Thank you for encouraging us with these words: "We don’t have to create from scratch, rather we work to find fresh ways to express ancient truths, telling in new ways the old, old story of Jesus and His love."
Blessings.
Thank you, Wendy, for your positive comment. I used a rather obscure word but enjoyed researching it.
DeleteWhat a lovely word! Thank you for this Valerie!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Tracy! I find the origin of words so interesting.
DeleteBellwether is such a lovely old word. And what a lovely post, Valerie. Appreciated your line at the end: "We don’t have to create from scratch, rather we work to find fresh ways to express ancient truths...". So true. Thank you!
ReplyDeleteThanks for commenting, Brenda. We are privileged to write about our Savior.
DeleteThanks, Valerie! You have given us so much wisdom in this post. I especially loved your emphasis on Scripture: "we can look to its central figure, Jesus Christ, for leadership in how we practice our craft. Jesus’ basic motivation was love for His followers." What a great "bellwether" He was for us!
ReplyDeleteSo true, Sandi! Now when I hear a sheep bell I will remember this word and who exemplifies it.
DeleteWhat a wonderful post, Valerie. Love the word bellwether and all that you have found to relate it to our Lord. Terrific. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Sharon. It's an unusual word with layers of meaning.
DeleteShared with my BSF grup as we study The Divided Kingdom of the old testament. You refreshed us with your earnest writing. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing the post and for your positive comment.
DeleteBellwether is a great word with a wonderful history behind it, and I love the way you related it to Christ, our bellwether. Thanks, Valerie!
ReplyDeleteThanks for your comment, Lorrie! The origin of words is always such an interesting study.
DeleteThank you, Valerie, for this great "b" word and how it relates to the Author of our faith. May He be praised through everything we write.
ReplyDeleteI appreciate your comment, Alan. We are so blessed to have our Lord as our forerunner.
ReplyDelete