Say thanks in contemporary language
written by Stephan Joubert
Back when we were students, a guy from our residence went home with his girlfriend to go and meet her parents. At the dinner table, the girl's father asked him: "Will you say thanks for us?" The guy then immediately thanked them for their generous hospitality. The father was taken aback by this. With thanks he meant that this unchurched fellow should do a table prayer and thank God for the food. I wonder how often our 'church language' comes across as strange to those who believe different than we do? If we are serious about serving others in the Name of Christ, then we can never allow our language to be weird and disconnected from reality.
The Lord expects us to always use fine language, like Paul explains in Ephesians 5:25-32. Swear words and frivolous talk is not suited for our tongues. But to merely avoid the wrong words and inappropriate language is also not sufficient. We also need to learn how to speak correctly about God with each other and with other people. Relevant, decent language that draws others in rather than creating an unnecessary distance is what is required. Archaic language in our sermons, songs, Bible translations and conversations need to quickly give way to moving, contemporary language.
Peace
Stephan Joubert
Back when we were students, a guy from our residence went home with his girlfriend to go and meet her parents. At the dinner table, the girl's father asked him: "Will you say thanks for us?" The guy then immediately thanked them for their generous hospitality. The father was taken aback by this. With thanks he meant that this unchurched fellow should do a table prayer and thank God for the food. I wonder how often our 'church language' comes across as strange to those who believe different than we do? If we are serious about serving others in the Name of Christ, then we can never allow our language to be weird and disconnected from reality.
The Lord expects us to always use fine language, like Paul explains in Ephesians 5:25-32. Swear words and frivolous talk is not suited for our tongues. But to merely avoid the wrong words and inappropriate language is also not sufficient. We also need to learn how to speak correctly about God with each other and with other people. Relevant, decent language that draws others in rather than creating an unnecessary distance is what is required. Archaic language in our sermons, songs, Bible translations and conversations need to quickly give way to moving, contemporary language.
Peace
Stephan Joubert
Views: 12
Tags: goodnews
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Comment by Soekie Prinsloo on August 11, 2011 at 4:05am -
Hi Stephan
Ek stem saam met jou. In plaas daarvan dat ons mense wen vir Jesus praat ons hulle weg. As ons net elkeen ons eie leefwêreld sien as evangeliesasie veld. Ek het sending visie gehad toe ek jonk en ongetroud was. Ek het dit veruil vir 'n man en kinders, en altyd skuldig gevoel daaroor. Vandag weet ek, ek is in my sendingveld elke dag saam met my gesin. En my gesin is my grootste sendingveld.
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