We love to wrap faith in all sorts of words, terms and doctrine.
It helps us feel like we understand God the more that we put it into words.
Words can sometimes be dangerous, though. Our words--my words--that articulate my understanding of my faith may mean mush to my brother.
In this way, we may unintentionally be blocking others from growing spiritually, because we're not speaking their language.
Words like atonement, sanctification, justification, etc. are foundational to the Christian faith. But I get the sense that those outside the church culture have a hard time engaging us in faith discussions, because we speak a foreign language when we use these words.
Faith is difficult and complex. But it is also very simple.
George MacDonald, one of the great influencers on C.S. Lewis wrote:
"Everything difficult indicates something more than our theory of life yet embraces....but there is a reality of being in which all things are easy and plain--oneness, that is, with the Lord of life; to pray for this is the first thing; and to the point of this prayer every difficulty hedges and directs us."
That quote in itself is deep and complex--however, I think the point is clear. We need to keep it simple.
Faith is as simple as seeking oneness with God. This should be our first prayer and priority.
And as we go out and discuss our faith with the world, we should also keep the conversation as easy-to-understand as possible. Use non-theological words and phrases. I find that if I'm using a lot of words that end in "-tion", I'm probably confusing the brother or sister I'm engaging.
Keep it simple. Keep it honest.
It helps us feel like we understand God the more that we put it into words.
Words can sometimes be dangerous, though. Our words--my words--that articulate my understanding of my faith may mean mush to my brother.
In this way, we may unintentionally be blocking others from growing spiritually, because we're not speaking their language.
Words like atonement, sanctification, justification, etc. are foundational to the Christian faith. But I get the sense that those outside the church culture have a hard time engaging us in faith discussions, because we speak a foreign language when we use these words.
Faith is difficult and complex. But it is also very simple.
George MacDonald, one of the great influencers on C.S. Lewis wrote:
"Everything difficult indicates something more than our theory of life yet embraces....but there is a reality of being in which all things are easy and plain--oneness, that is, with the Lord of life; to pray for this is the first thing; and to the point of this prayer every difficulty hedges and directs us."
That quote in itself is deep and complex--however, I think the point is clear. We need to keep it simple.
Faith is as simple as seeking oneness with God. This should be our first prayer and priority.
And as we go out and discuss our faith with the world, we should also keep the conversation as easy-to-understand as possible. Use non-theological words and phrases. I find that if I'm using a lot of words that end in "-tion", I'm probably confusing the brother or sister I'm engaging.
Keep it simple. Keep it honest.
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