My friend, Becky, has written a thought-provoking post regarding our phobias to certain words like religion, contemplate, and meditate, to name a few. These words have been wrested from their original meaning, in some cases, and have become part of the vocabulary of questionable teaching. But rather than making a point to use them correctly, their usage or lack of can become a litmus test for a person's theology.
This post hit a nerve, because l freely admit to strong gut reactions with certain words and phrases. Words have power and consequences, and my reception to them is anything but neutral. I bring my own assumptions as to why the writer/speaker would use a certain word. I also bring a boatload of associations based on past experiences, even if I desire to respond based on what the Word says alone.
So what to do? How do I disarm the gut reaction? Here are few things that came to mind:
- Make the point of digging a little deeper to find out what people really mean. It may be misunderstanding on my part, not purveying error.
- Be careful with my use of words so I don't contribute to the confusion.
- How does the Word inform my use of words? Or do I impose my own ideas on the text?
- Are my own definitions of Biblical words correct?
- Be patient when I don't see eye to eye with another believer. If the Holy Spirit is still at work in me to renew my mind, to deliver me from former ignorance, isn't He doing that in others too? If I haven't arrived yet, shouldn't grace extend to other believers who are also still in progress? The goal is to be conformed to Christ, not one another. It's a long hard road for all of us, but one with a gloriously hopeful end, which should only strengthen our commitment to one another for the long haul.
- Very specifically, be okay when we don't like the same books. What's funny is we're fine with disagreeing over eschatology, but we get a little bothered when others don't like our favorite authors. Our oneness is because God has placed us in Christ not because of loyalty to (insert author's name here.)
- Let iron sharpen iron by learning to disagree well, receive criticism well, and by offering constructive criticism in love. Not for the sake of winning the argument, but that we will grow in maturity until we attain the unity of the faith.
- For the Lord's sake and for the sake of the Body of Christ, "Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O LORD, my rock and my redeemer." Psalm 19:14
(To make it clear, I'm not talking about group hugs with heretics or erroneous theology. I'm not talking about just smiling and placing a gag order on healthy discussion and debate. I'm also making the assumption that there is firm agreement on all the non-negotiables of the Christian faith.)
This post hit a nerve, because l freely admit to strong gut reactions with certain words and phrases. Words have power and consequences, and my reception to them is anything but neutral. I bring my own assumptions as to why the writer/speaker would use a certain word. I also bring a boatload of associations based on past experiences, even if I desire to respond based on what the Word says alone.
So what to do? How do I disarm the gut reaction? Here are few things that came to mind:
- Make the point of digging a little deeper to find out what people really mean. It may be misunderstanding on my part, not purveying error.
- Be careful with my use of words so I don't contribute to the confusion.
- How does the Word inform my use of words? Or do I impose my own ideas on the text?
- Are my own definitions of Biblical words correct?
- Be patient when I don't see eye to eye with another believer. If the Holy Spirit is still at work in me to renew my mind, to deliver me from former ignorance, isn't He doing that in others too? If I haven't arrived yet, shouldn't grace extend to other believers who are also still in progress? The goal is to be conformed to Christ, not one another. It's a long hard road for all of us, but one with a gloriously hopeful end, which should only strengthen our commitment to one another for the long haul.
- Very specifically, be okay when we don't like the same books. What's funny is we're fine with disagreeing over eschatology, but we get a little bothered when others don't like our favorite authors. Our oneness is because God has placed us in Christ not because of loyalty to (insert author's name here.)
- Let iron sharpen iron by learning to disagree well, receive criticism well, and by offering constructive criticism in love. Not for the sake of winning the argument, but that we will grow in maturity until we attain the unity of the faith.
- For the Lord's sake and for the sake of the Body of Christ, "Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O LORD, my rock and my redeemer." Psalm 19:14
(To make it clear, I'm not talking about group hugs with heretics or erroneous theology. I'm not talking about just smiling and placing a gag order on healthy discussion and debate. I'm also making the assumption that there is firm agreement on all the non-negotiables of the Christian faith.)
well said
ReplyDeleteGreat reflection Persis! Becky's piece was fabulous!
ReplyDelete"I also bring a boatload of associations based on past experiences, even if I desire to respond based on what the Word says alone." This post is excellent because it really hit home (with a sledge hammer)! Thank you! :-)
ReplyDelete"The goal is to be conformed to Christ, not one another."
ReplyDeletePersis, this is a wonderful post. God has taught me a lot the past year, (mostly through observing Internet banter) about this very thing.
In our pursuit to maintain Biblical purity we sometimes end up breaking our unity when perhaps we shouldn't. True, there are instances when we need to distance ourselves but often we have fallen into elitism in our impatience with one another - (your disclaimer is also assumed of course).
Thanks for the good words my friend
Persis, this is PERFECT!
ReplyDeleteIt is like if we had planned it to write a two part series on the topic, sister.
Your last paragraph is so important, because it's exactly what I have thought. When I say that I want to take the risk and use these words wisely, I am never trying to suggest a "group hug with heretics"! Love that! It is true, it is not about compromising the Truth but about not being judgmental and critical without considering some of the things that you have rightly mentioned.
I like the way Diana said it, "In our pursuit to maintain Biblical purity we sometimes end up breaking our unity when perhaps we shouldn't" That is so true.
I pray I will never stop being teachable and at the same time I pray I will never become arrogant, filled with spiritual pride. God forbid.
Love you all!
Excellent post, Persis :)
ReplyDeleteI love this Persis! What a great compliment to Becky's post. I think the thing that I have learned the most is how much patience we need with each other when dealing with these issues. What is my motive when posting things or having discussions, especially on social media? I often find that when I really stop, pray and (eek meditate!) on what Scripture says I have a much more graceful reaction, and also I can be much more discerning of truth. At the end of the day I never want to cause a Brother or Sister to stumble, and I want to be a good witness for unbelievers.
ReplyDeleteI like your last point the best. "- Let iron sharpen iron by learning to disagree well, receive criticism well, and by offering constructive criticism in love. Not for the sake of winning the argument, but that we will grow in maturity until we attain the unity of the faith." Amen Sister! Amen!
"The goal is to be conformed to Christ, not one another."
ReplyDeleteExcellent admonition, Persis. Differences among us will always be a reality, as will preferences, opinions, and word choices!
You've just done us a great service by lifting our eyes to "the more excellent way."
Thank you, sister!
-E
So, I read this again tonight and I wanted to come back and tell you how spot on your 5th point is. You said, "If the Holy Spirit is still at work in me to renew my mind, to deliver me from former ignorance, isn't He doing that in others too?" Oh, how we would do well to remember this! Those of us who understand the doctrines of grace ought to be the most patient and grace filled people of all ... and not just with those who don't subscribe to our brand of theology but even with each other! Your post blessed my heart and yes, I've been "meditating" on it since you put it up! :)
ReplyDeleteLove you dearly!
Well said, Persis!
ReplyDelete