From time to time I have come to some realizations (at least in my own mind) about the way we speak as Christians in America. Sometimes we say things that don't make sense, are well intentioned or are just not true. The purpose of this post is to point out some of these things so we can be more aware of them. This post is not meant to be negative, just real so we can acrtually see what we do and how we act sometimes in Jesus' name. From time to time as things are made aware to me, I will post one of these "translated" sayings from our American church life.
For another blogger who has done something similar regarding how we actually live out and interpret the scriptures check out Alan Knox's series Scripture As We Live It.
In the meantime, here's our first installment of "Church-Speak" Translated:
Statement:
"I don't know...let me pray about it and get back to you."
Translation:
"I really want to say 'no' but I cannot just come out and say it so I will say this because it sounds more spiritual."
So true. And kids pick up on this.
ReplyDeleteOnce when I was directing a summer camp, I needed some summer help, and asked a pastor's kid if he would want to help for a week or two. He really wanted to, but since he was only 14 or so, had to ask his dad.
So we went over and talked to his dad, who said, "Let me pray about it."
As the father walked away, the kid looked at me and said, "That means no."
Jeremy,
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing that example. You're right, our children reflect us as parents. I also think of Jesus' teaching to let our yes be yes and our no, no. When we practice plain talk it can reduce stress and possibly prevent other issues as well.