"Bible speak"

Do you ever take note of how Christian friends so easily fall into "Bible speak?" We sometimes avoid dealing with hard stuff, sidestep being authentic. It is a real problem among all Believers.

Often it is spiritual pride that causes us to say the right things even when our lives are a mess. Who among us wants to admit that he isn't really feeling all that loving today, or that the God he is trying to serve seems a million miles away, or that he is clueless about the will of God for his life? We would much rather just say, "Praise the Lord, I'm trusting Jesus, holding onto His Word" which may be true enough, but when used as "Bible speak" to hide fear, doubt, or confusion, it is almost like profanity!

Sometimes it is a mistaken idea about faith that causes people to cover up their real feelings or disappointments by quoting Scripture. They have been taught, wrongly, that admission of fear, doubt, or uncertainty is 'not of faith.' Yes, it is true that we gain strength by reminding ourselves of the eternal Truth of God's Word, but we don't have to lie to ourselves or others in the process! Owning up to who we are is the first step to real change.

Then, too - sometimes we just say the right things because we know, deep down inside, that those in our circle of Believing friends don't want to be troubled with our fears, doubts, or problems; preferring the bland company of the comfortable, to the messy fellowship of the committed! The superficial, light-hearted conversation that skims life surface keeps the ugly stuff from seeing the light of day. So, many of us are desperate, walking alone in the dark, wondering if we are just really bad Christians since no one else appears to be struggling with the same kind of stuff.

None other than Paul, the apostle, illustrates the kind of honesty to which we should aspire. In a letter to a church he once led as a pastor, he wrote about a terrible time in his life and said, "I think you ought to know, dear brothers and sisters, about the trouble we went through in the province of Asia. We were crushed and completely overwhelmed, and we thought we would never live through it. In fact, we expected to die. But as a result, we learned not to rely on ourselves, but on God who can raise the dead." (2 Corinthians 1:8-9, NLT)

Where did we ever come up with the idea that real Christians always have 'happily ever after' endings to all their life-stories? Paul thought he was as good as dead- not a very positive note of faith, was it? Truth is, his life was very tragic. After spending long hard years on the road, being criticized, imprisoned, and rejected - he died a martyr's death in Rome! What sustained him? I can assure you it wasn't "Bible speak." His faith went deeper than a verse he learned at camp. His life was oriented to Truth - and by the Spirit - he transcended the emotions that might have derailed him, setting his sights on serving God - come Hell or high water.

And he was transparent in the process! Look at some of the phrases he uses to describe himself or his experience:
"chief among sinners,"
"out of my mind to talk this way,"
"weak,"
"wretched man that I am!"
And, through all the trials, troubles and triumphs -- Paul realized it wasn't about him, but about Christ Jesus, his Lord! "Yes, everything else is worthless when compared with the priceless gain of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. I have discarded everything else, counting it all as garbage, so that I may have Christ" (Philippians 3:8, NLT) That was no idle statement, but a testimony of the way he lived. Reputation, comfort, religious heritage, wealth, home -- all worthless by comparison to the treasure of knowing Christ authentically, deeply.

I am not suggesting that the only way to authentic Christianity is to wallow in our individual or collective misery! Let's be honest - rejoicing together in our victories, weeping in our failures - leaving the world of "Bible speak" behind us. And, in this kind of real fellowship, love will flourish that is unmistakably a supernatural work of God's Spirit who lives in us! To the glory of God!