Isaiah 19:18
In that day shall five cities in the land of Egypt speak the language of Canaan, and swear to the LORD of hosts; one shall be called, The city of destruction. In that day shall five cities in the land of Egypt speak the language of Canaan, and swear to the LORD of hosts; one shall be called, The city of destruction.
The language of Canaan is the language in which the glory of the better world could be described, though even then only a little of that glory could be told. Those who glimpse that glory long to speak it, that they might tell even a little of what they have seen.
It is the language spoken in the heavenly school by the members of God's royal family. It is in harmony with the language of heaven, and therefore must be learned here on earth in the educating school of this life. That daily learning prepares for the higher heavenly grade.
It is the speech of people shaped by faith in God and by connection with Christ. Speaking it is a sign of devotion to God, in harmony with a heart making melody to God. Worldly speech is not that language, nor are the words heard at gatherings for exciting sport where God is forgotten.
It expresses the sympathy of Christ in human words. It marks speech and allegiance as distinct from the surrounding society, for those who speak it have come out from the world and become separate from its methods and practices. In word and action they reveal God's purposes of love, always treating fellow workers with respect because they are formed in the image of God. The child of God does not choose associations whose language and pleasures are contrary to God, and when circumstances require contact with them must not surrender principle, but is preserved by reliance on God.
Speaking it requires putting away foolish talk, jesting, and selfish amusements. It means speech without deception, with no guile in the lips, no impurity allowed in the heart, and no unkindliness in speech or attitude toward one another. Learning it means living as Christians, trusting God's promises, and cultivating grace and love and deep interest in spiritual things. It means having the love of God burning upon the altar of the heart, and letting warm and abundant thanksgiving go forth from sincere, unfeigned lips. It is learned by transformed character and a conscience void of offence toward God and man.
Learning it is preparing for translation to heaven. It is preparing to enter the city whose Builder and Maker is God, which He has prepared, so as to meet Christ at His appearing with joy and not with grief. Keeping that city in view while pressing forward, faithfulness in service gives proof of readiness to enter it. God longs to see this learning, and in His strength steady advancement is made toward His kingdom and the higher heavenly grade. Those who remove hindrances to Christian growth are guided by the Holy Spirit to become fishers of people, carrying God's salvation and light to others.