What is a label? Why use a label? Are labels not helpful?
While the answers to these questions may seem obvious, life experience would indicate otherwise. One only has to be part of a conversation or listen to a variety of people to realize how often we choose to attach a label to a person or situation. Not always a bad thing, yet too often seems we can cause more harm than good.
What is a label? According to the Merriam-Webster Dictionary a label is a word or phrase that describes or identifies something or someone. Simple enough—especially when we it is important to distinguish between ‘some-things’ and ‘some-ones.’
If I get into my pantry for the ingredients to make a recipe, the items I need better be labeled or the result will be a cooking disaster. An unmarked can of sauerkraut will definitely not make for a tasty bowl of chili.
Why use a label? Common sense, of course. All kinds of ‘things’ benefit from being labeled. Food, vehicle parts, electronic components. The list goes on and on. A word, a number, a brief phrase, all make it easier to understand the situation or accomplish the task at hand.
Are labels not helpful? Depends on the circumstances. If we are prone to utter a word or phrase pejoratively toward a specific individual or group, we can destroy relationships, or stop them in their tracks before they have the opportunity to develop. As if the word or phrase is not bad enough, we often deliver them with a tone and attitude that is anything but Christian.
Labels can come in any size or description. She’s a white woman. He’s a black man. They are Latino. That kid is overweight. Their house is a dump. And so forth. The fact these may reflect truth on some level does not give us license to wield them with judgment or condemnation.
There’s another aspect to labels not being helpful that may sneak up on us—those we apply to ourselves. How many times have you told yourself you are unworthy, stupid, lazy, or even ugly? My sense is the Lord weeps when we engage in that kind of behavior. Again, while we need to be aware of the grain of truth that may be present, we also need to be compassionate and kind. Bottom line—misappropriated labels can and do inflict unnecessary pain and suffering.
Anyone who has lived more than a few seasons has likely been on the receiving end of being unfairly or cruelly labeled. All the more reason you and I need to consider well the words or phrases we are about to speak at any given moment.
