February 9, 2008

Just the Truth. Plain and Simple.

Wow! It’s day two of my life as a blogger. I was so excited that I tossed and turned all night long. After my tennis match today, I couldn’t wait to share my good news with my tennis friends at lunch. Jumping in at the slightest pause in the conversation, I announced, “Guess what, I have a blog!” Surprisingly they actually seemed interested as I shared a bit about it. They even asked questions. Then it hit me, wouldn’t this be a great way to share my story and in turn the Good News without being preachy or self-righteous (because I am definitely not a street corner evangelizer kind of person.)

My thoughts today focus on words. Big words. Words with lots of syllables. Words that “educated” Christians use like: justification, sanctification, redemption, exaltation, propitiation, anointing, predestination, condemnation, predetermination, dispensational, tribulation and on, and on.

I think that the average person (including many church-goers) don’t have the slightest idea what any of these words really mean. Sometimes it seems that all of these fancy word and phrases make Christianity a club with its own special language. And the more mature, spiritual, educated one claims to be, the more syllables pepper their conversations. I admit I am occasionally guilty of doing this as well. Honestly, I don’t think it’s deliberate, we just forget these aren’t familiar words.

But what impression does our puffed-up talk give non-believers, seekers and new believers? It seems pretty obvious that it’s off-putting and exclusive. My guess (because I spent way more of my life as a non-Christian than a Christian) is that it turns people off. It smacks of hypocrisy. And it makes people feel inadequate (even angry). Worst of all, it makes it seem like you need credentials and an education to become a “good” Christian.

Aren’t we commanded to reach out to everyone around us, not just those who talk and think like us?

Jesus certainly did this.

He didn’t get caught up in with His stature or intelligence. Time after time he reached out to those the educated “establishment” said were not worthy. Jesus said, “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.” When he preached and taught, He didn’t use fancy language. He spoke the truth, plain and simple. (Although, sometimes it was (and still is) hard to understand.)

We need to speak so everyone can hear Jesus.

So, I vow to follow Jesus’ lead and keep the syllables to a minimum. What a wonderful treasure chest of life-giving (and life-saving) words await. Words like grace, love, hope, joy, peace, faith, repent, healing, sin, mercy, forgiveness, eternity.

I can’t wait to get started!

8 comments:

Lysa TerKeurst said...

I like plain and simple too. Jesus called Himself the way, the truth and the life. I'm glad He used those words!

Looking forward to She Speaks~

Laurie T said...

Kelli Girl,
Thanks for sharing your heart. Loved reading your blog. You're going to drag me into the 21st century yet! Now I see how cool a blog can be! Keep it up, I'll be praying it reaches to the uttermost parts of the earth!
xo, Laur

Joanne said...

Hey! I am so happy that you have found an outlet for your immense talents. I think it is critically important for us to share what is in our hearts while we have the opportunity to do so. Touch lives, every day, every moment.

Leigh Ann said...

Kelli,
Great job on the blog! What a cool way to share your insights on how awesome our God is! Keep up the good work and thanks for the visit today.

Debbie said...

Hi Kelli,

Yes, Jesus kept the message simple. Thank you for encouraging all us ordinary gals out there!! I look forward to more inspiring blogs :)

Love, Deb

Anthony Mannarino said...

Kelli,

Best of luck to you on your new adventure. I'm sure you will continue to be a blessing to others as you have been to us over the last couple years. Not sure where I'd be were it not for my "Jesus Knocking on the Door" experience at Alpha two years ago, which you were a part of. Revisiting it last night at Alpha only serves to reinforce the confidence I have that my faith truly is real. I, too, see Jesus in places that I might not have a couple years ago; like last weekend while standing on top of a mountain in Vermont staring at one of the most amazing cloud formations I'd ever seen. I turned to Christine and said, "Now THAT's God!. Faith in Jesus brings an appreciation and perspective on this life that only HE can provide.....but you have to ASK for it!
Continued blessing in all you do.

Anthony

Jim Chadwick said...

Kelli -

Your blog is being read thousands of miles away in Sunny Phoeinx, AZ! My name is Jim Chadwick and I work with Bill Romig. I am also the president of the Ginger Romig fan club. They are wonderful people who shared your extraordinary blog with me. I too stepped out of the boat this year and committed to share my faith. What a wonderful experience. Blessings to you and I look forward to your future postings.

Debbie said...

Kelli,

Great blog!!