lost in the jargon…

Let me start this by saying, I am a believer, I believe that Jesus Christ is my Lord and Savior and that he died for my sins. I believe there is life after death. I believe the bible is the word of God. But when I saw this, I was surprised at how many of the “Christian jargon” terms caused me to roll my eyes. It’s like when I hear them, I feel like they are a method to put the speaker a step above me. Please don’t get me wrong – I’m not saying that’s what the speaker intends, I’m saying that’s MY interpretation. If this is my interpretation as a believer, just think what non-believers may be thinking.  Sometimes, well intentioned Christians use these terms and, instead of bringing together, they cause a divide. “Look at me, I’m a deeper person than you, I have a connection that you don’t, my way is so much better than yours.” Yes, I know I said “my way” – and I guess that’s my point – These statements (once again, to me) come across as more of a “my way” rather than a “Christ’s way” or “God’s way”… and dang, look at me, I’m judging too, I truly don’t mean to, but I see that I am.

…and while I’m at it, the one I really hate is, “Do you have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ?” This is usually asked by someone who doesn’t know me from Adam’s house cat, someone who hasn’t yet made an attempt to get to know me. My first thought is, “well you know, it’s really none of your business – that’s between me and a higher power – plus it’s PERSONAL relationship – I don’t have to tell you.” I know I sound defensive, but like I said before, if I, as a believer, think this is offputting, think what a non-believer thinks. A statement like this doesn’t make me want to be a part of whatever they’re a part of. If this is what they teach you where you worship and learn, I want to go somewhere else.

I want people to know I’m a Christian by the way I live my life, by the way I show others what I believe love is – not by the catch phrases I use. I want to reach out to others, not reach down to them.

I’m sorry if I’ve offended anyone who uses these phrases, but just know that sometimes the point you’re trying to make is lost in the jargon…