I was out and about recently with Henry (he’s my Golden Retriever, best boy in all the world!) and we ran into a group of high school students. Of course, they went crazy over Henry and he was loving the attention! They asked me if I knew a particular deputy and I did…they said he was known as the GYAT Cop in their circles. I said to them, “What does that even mean?” Does it mean GET YOUR ACT TOGETHER? They all laughed and said no…supposedly it means you have a big rear end. Because I have some gray hair…I said to them…”that can’t be…he is really skinny!” Of course, they all laughed at my ignorance! LOL! So I said to them, “I think you’re being SUS…nice to meet you all, but I have to go RIZZ up my wife!” They were howling with laughter. I think it was tripping them because I’m older and saying that! For the record…I did not say anything inappropriate! I wonder though…do people know the language we speak as followers of Jesus? We have our Christian-ese that we often speak to one another with. However, we live in a postmodern society and culture and most don’t have a faith background. So, when we speak of certain things, they have no idea what we are talking about. Jesus spoke the language of those He was reaching. In John 4 - He spoke water with the woman at the well. In Luke 5:4-11, Jesus spoke about fishing with some fishermen. Are you able to speak a language of those around you that don’t know Jesus? For me, God has used my dog Henry to open doors with people to share the Gospel! There are a couple of things to remember. The language we do speak…is truth in love. 1 Corinthians 13:1 speaks of this...Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I have become sounding brass or a clanging cymbal. 1 Corinthians 1:18 — For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. Some will hear what you say…some will not. But you will never know if you don’t open your mouth! The message of the Cross is good news! The Gospel is GOOD NEWS! 2 Corinthians 5:20 — Now then, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were pleading through us: we implore you on Christ’s behalf, be reconciled to God. You don’t have to know what GYAT, SUS, and RIZZ mean…however...You are His ambassador…He has given you His authority, His anointing, His love, and His power! You have His backing with His message! Don’t let your insecurities hold you back…share the truth in love! Besides all that…the Holy Spirit will help you! Paul says this in 1 Corinthians 2:4-5 — And my speech and my preaching were not with persuasive words of human wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power, that your faith should not be in the wisdom of men but in the power of God. The seed can’t grow if it is not sown…don’t be afraid! You are loved! Have a blessed day! Pastor Jeff and Sherry…and Henry too! :-) |