Meaning and language

The Theatre of the Absurd produced a host of plays in the mid-twentieth century that seemed to underscore the decline of meaningful communication in Western society. Among others, Eugene Ionesco created dialogue for The Bald Soprano based on phrases, idioms and small talk he learned while studying English. Edward Albee began The Zoo Story with a man sitting on a park bench being confronted by another man insisting "I've been to the zoo!" Some analyzed Western culture in general and the English language in particular as losing any sense of meaning and the only meaningful thing to be the meaninglessness of both language and culture.

Language is always changing. Purists would like to believe there are unchangeable rules that apply to language but a simple study of grammar reveals this fallacy especially in the changing meaning of words. One example of this is the common usage of the word "awesome". This word dates to the 17th century and originally meant "profoundly reverential."  Since the early 1960s the word has tended toward the meaning "impressive." It does not take much insight to see the difference. Some things that are impressive are not necessarily reverential.

The Apostles, early on in their ministry, argue among themselves who is the greatest.  Jesus takes the steam out of their discussion by pointing out the qualities of a child. Whoever is least in the kingdom is the greatest, somewhat like an innocent and naive child who knows no more than to openly offer himself or herself without qualification. The word "greatest" has no meaning in the eyes of Jesus, that is, no more meaning than doing God's will innocently and willingly.

Do my words to the Lord have meaning or am I just reading lines? Am I profoundly reverential before the Lord or just impressive? Who is greater? Me for trying to communicate with God? Or God who communicates with me?