You keep using that word. I do not think it means what you think it means.

Have you ever seen the movie, The Princess Bride? There's a character in the movie who consistently uses the word, "inconceivable" over and over throughout the movie. The problem is that the word is usually used in the wrong context, until finally, another character says, "You keep using that word. I do not think it means what you think it means."

Several years ago, I heard of a church using that entire line from the movie as the title for a series they were doing, which I though was hilarious for two reasons. First, I personally like the movie and appreciate the wit that the line produced. But also, in an age where churches are constantly trying to find simplistic and pithy, profound and inspiring, catchy and creative 2-3 word series titles, I appreciated this church going against the hip-church-cultural grain.

Perhaps even more importantly, however, is the motivation behind the series title. There are so many words, phrases, ideologies, or even rituals that have become so commonplace because of our Christian culture or traditions that they have potentially lost their meaning and purpose.

Some call this" Christian-ese" as though it's an entirely different language that only certain people use and understand. It often creates insiders and outsiders. Can you think of some even now as you read this? I bet you can name a few. I'm not going to in this particular blog, because each word or phrase would require a whole other post unto itself. Right now, I want to speak to the heart of the matter.

You may think, "Big deal! They're just words, what's the fuss?!? It's what we've always done!" The problem is that many people who walk away from the church, tend to walk away because of certain words, phrases, ideologies, or rituals that have either lost their meaning or were used to divide people (sometimes intentionally, sometimes unintentionally). It becomes even more important then, for the church (and for individuals) to constantly...

• evaluate their use(s) of said words, phrases, ideologies, and rituals
• ensure that they are reflective of Christ and contribute to the mission
• redeem them from their (potentially) distorted state
• use them in the proper context, while also interpreting them for the culture in which the church or individual finds itself or themselves.

That last point is necessary and important. Sometimes we think that if we take a Gospel truth and repackage it or retell it in the language that fits the culture, that it somehow loses its power or truth. It then becomes "un-spiritual." I could not disagree more. Jesus constantly takes profound truths from the Torah and compares it to nature, animals, agricultural, or just other people around him to make his point. You know them as parables. Sometimes, Jesus has to actually change their understanding altogether with a repeating phrase, "You have heard it said, but I tell you..." Paul approaches very smart and intellectual men of Athens and uses their artwork and their poetry to appeal to their understanding of the Divine and gives them a new perspective.

Here's a real-life example: If I go to a predominantly Spanish-speaking nation and continue to speak English, but just speak slower and louder, it doesn't make what I'm saying any more powerful, truthful or understandable. If anything, the locals may find me simply annoying. I have to humble myself, understand the language of the culture and then speak. The truth of what I'm saying doesn't go away, just the language changes.

So here are a few questions for you to consider:

• When you speak to an unbelieving culture about Jesus or the power of God, do you continue to use the same words, phrases, or practices over and over and expect people to automatically understand the heart of what you're attempting to say and do? 
• Do you know what you're saying and/or doing and why you are saying/doing those things?
• Are you regurgitating something that was said and done unto you, because it's "just the way it's always been said/done?"
• How might you adjust your language/approach in Christ-like love, while adhering to the mission?

If we all commit to humbly finding ways of speaking and approaching those that are seemingly distant from the Church or Christ, it may be "inconceivable" when we see many be reconciled back to God.

For a little more engagement, comment with a few words or phrases that people often say without really considering their meaning. For example, I've heard many people say in the face of difficulty, "Everything happens for a reason!" What do they mean when they say that? What are they hoping to accomplish by saying that?


This content and other ministry is made possible because of the generosity of donors who give directly to LifeChurch Canton. If you'd like to continue to see more content and make an impact, partner with us through a generous gift or a recurring gift by going to our site. Thank you so much.