"Awakened", "Purpose", "Manifest", "Energy", "Alignment", “Abundance”, "Serve".....these are all perfectly fine words, and some were even used by giants in Christianity centuries ago. But today these words have been given different meanings by the New Age and New Thought movements of mind-over-matter, and willing one's desires into existence by the power of thought and intention. Today I realize that I must to be careful in my choice of words when I find myself about to use them. This is also because I have been up to my chin in New Age and New Thought beliefs and I must now reorganize my thoughts to portray the glory of Jesus. My life is not my own and I see now it is not my place to think myself to a celebratory life. (1 Corinthians 6:19-20)
Language is so important. In the story of the Tower of Babel we see how language is the literal building blocks of a society and even how we may commune with God (Genesis 11:1-9). In Acts of the Apostles we see how speaking in tongues is a demonstrated gift of God. (2:2-4) In the epistles we see how Paul adapted to every culture so that he would glorify God in a way that was relatable to those he was preaching to. (1 Corinthians 9:19-23)
Having been involved with New Age and New Thought practices, where probably a huge chunk of my audience finds their spiritual food, I need to be very clear not only about WHAT messages I am passing on but HOW I pass them on. I frighteningly wonder if the latter even more so. And knowing my audience, they won't take to certain preaching. They will not appreciate or tolerate certain preachers or born-again Christians who use aggressive language. So I must also learn to adapt lest I ruin my chances of declaring salvation to those who would rather hear about true and lasting healing elsewhere. (2 Timothy 4:3)
While I know the gospel is offensive to the unconverted heart (Matthew 10:22), I believe that we can gently direct grievances toward reception, because it is our grief in life that will effectively turn us to the cross. While I invariably must warn of the severity of the penalties of sin, I do so in meekness. I can relate to the fallen, because being regenerated in Christ resurrected, I am blessed to know both tragedy and triumph in God's grace, which is poured out for all who are even just willing to believe. (Ephesians 2:8)
But I also must be vigilant to avoid words that can be misconstrued. The most disturbing part of preaching the gospel in the 21st century is the alienation that can follow, and I think that is why so many of us give up. To witness to the gospel and still fit in, in other words to be manipulative in order to conform to worldly standards, there is temptation to use the same words, examples and stories that those who have little or no faith use. But Jesus never followed the crowd, and he did not fear to provoke them. (Luke 4:28-29) Let's be brave and not beget deceit to fight deceit.
And as I work with integrity to reach my audience by not using their direct language, I must also work with integrity while not using the evangelist's direct language. Words like “Wretched”, “Depraved”, “Undeserving”, “Unworthy”, "Debased",“Sinful”, “Vile”, "Abhorrent" and "Wrath", which are perfectly acceptable and even welcomed by the circumcised heart, must be softened for the new believers who require spiritual milk and are not yet ready for solid food. (1 Corinthians 3:2)
Ultimately, when we use language that has been contorted to mean something godlike, but not God Himself, we are verily being deceptive and doing a greater disservice than having just kept silent. Both insults have been my stumbling blocks. Now in my conviction I work out my salvation with fear (awe, admiration) and trembling (ecstasy, joy) (Philippians 2:12), confident that my theology is rock solid, protected in the Lord, and will reach those who will dare to listen.
Language is so important. In the story of the Tower of Babel we see how language is the literal building blocks of a society and even how we may commune with God (Genesis 11:1-9). In Acts of the Apostles we see how speaking in tongues is a demonstrated gift of God. (2:2-4) In the epistles we see how Paul adapted to every culture so that he would glorify God in a way that was relatable to those he was preaching to. (1 Corinthians 9:19-23)
Having been involved with New Age and New Thought practices, where probably a huge chunk of my audience finds their spiritual food, I need to be very clear not only about WHAT messages I am passing on but HOW I pass them on. I frighteningly wonder if the latter even more so. And knowing my audience, they won't take to certain preaching. They will not appreciate or tolerate certain preachers or born-again Christians who use aggressive language. So I must also learn to adapt lest I ruin my chances of declaring salvation to those who would rather hear about true and lasting healing elsewhere. (2 Timothy 4:3)
While I know the gospel is offensive to the unconverted heart (Matthew 10:22), I believe that we can gently direct grievances toward reception, because it is our grief in life that will effectively turn us to the cross. While I invariably must warn of the severity of the penalties of sin, I do so in meekness. I can relate to the fallen, because being regenerated in Christ resurrected, I am blessed to know both tragedy and triumph in God's grace, which is poured out for all who are even just willing to believe. (Ephesians 2:8)
But I also must be vigilant to avoid words that can be misconstrued. The most disturbing part of preaching the gospel in the 21st century is the alienation that can follow, and I think that is why so many of us give up. To witness to the gospel and still fit in, in other words to be manipulative in order to conform to worldly standards, there is temptation to use the same words, examples and stories that those who have little or no faith use. But Jesus never followed the crowd, and he did not fear to provoke them. (Luke 4:28-29) Let's be brave and not beget deceit to fight deceit.
And as I work with integrity to reach my audience by not using their direct language, I must also work with integrity while not using the evangelist's direct language. Words like “Wretched”, “Depraved”, “Undeserving”, “Unworthy”, "Debased",“Sinful”, “Vile”, "Abhorrent" and "Wrath", which are perfectly acceptable and even welcomed by the circumcised heart, must be softened for the new believers who require spiritual milk and are not yet ready for solid food. (1 Corinthians 3:2)
Ultimately, when we use language that has been contorted to mean something godlike, but not God Himself, we are verily being deceptive and doing a greater disservice than having just kept silent. Both insults have been my stumbling blocks. Now in my conviction I work out my salvation with fear (awe, admiration) and trembling (ecstasy, joy) (Philippians 2:12), confident that my theology is rock solid, protected in the Lord, and will reach those who will dare to listen.
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