What’s in a Word?
Do you take the time to think about words? In my speech I typically use words to which I know the meaning. But how very often do we find ourselves singing songs, and saying words we don’t know? This can happen when you consider the poetry of our hymns. The rhyme and meter of a song might call for a word that is uncommon in our every day vernacular. So we are faced with one of three options. Not that these are our only choices, but most likely this is what it will come down to.
Option #1: We can throw the song out. That is a common response because some will say, “I don’t know what I’m saying anyway.” Personally, I believe this is an easy way out and one that will ultimately cheat you of spiritual growth and knowledge. (Hosea 4:6, “My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge…)
Option #2: We keep on singing the song even though we don’t understanding what we’re singing. This is where most of us are today. A song so familiar I know it by heart. Actually, for many, we don’t even need the book. Memorization and having a ‘ready recollection’ is a good thing, but this can be a danger if you’re not aware of the trap. In regards to our faith, Paul admonishes us to ‘examine (y)ourselves‘, I Corinthians 13:5. The same holds true to our singing of songs.
Option #3: (In my opinion this is the ONLY option for Christians…) We must learn what the words mean that we are singing. In must be reiterated over and over again…if you don’t know what a word or phrase means, look it up. Christ says it perfectly in Matthew 6:33, “Seek first (or continually seek) His kingdom and His righteousness…”. It might take some time but don’t be afraid to ask someone for understanding. You will be doing yourself a favor. In a word, be diligent and search for understanding.
Now let’s put it to work! Find a song that has a word (or words) you don’t recognize and then search out the meaning. To get you started let’s look at song from the mid-1700’s penned by the renowned hymn writer, Charles Wesley. 
“Soldier’s of Christ, Arise and put your armor on;
Strong in the strength which God supplies…Thru His beloved Son.”
“Strong in the Lord of hosts and in His mighty power;
Who in the strength of Jesus trust…is more than conqueror.”
“Stand then, in His great might, with all His strength endued;
But take, to arm you for the fight, the panoply of God.”
Two words might have caught your eye here, endued and panoply. By definition endue means to provide or be endowed with something. A panoply is “A complete or impressive collection of things” or “a splendid display.” Now sing this verse again;
“Stand then, in His great might, with all His strength endued (provided); but take, to arm you for the fight, the panoply (complete, impressive collection of His armor {see verse 1}) of God.” Let’s keep ‘singing’!
“Leave no unguarded place, no weakness of the soul;
Take every virtue, every grace, and fortify the whole.”
Again, two words might have caught your eye here, virtue and fortify. For clarification, virtue is ‘moral excellence’ and with it you can ‘strengthen or make strong’ the soul. To interpret this verse… “Don’t leave any weak point in your spiritual life. Take every morally excellent thing along with God’s grace and use it to strengthen your soul.”
“That having all things done, and all your conflicts past,
You may overcome through Christ alone, and stand entire at last.”
Translated; “When this life is over and all our struggles are complete, if you have held on to the armor of God and lived a life worthy of His calling…you will be prepared to stand before God at judgment.” Notice Romans 4:10, “For we will all stand before the judgment seat of God.” and again in II Corinthians 5:10, “For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ…” Sing from your heart (spirit) and you’ll be singing with understanding (your mind). I Corinthians 14:15