Hello! My name is Ryan Weeter and today I want to talk with you about “Christianese”. Our own phrases and language as Chrisitans. To many it’s not a very important topic, but the Bible says that life and death are in the power of the tongue. We as Christians tend to have terms that we don’t really pay attention to. Sure we may know not to speak death over ourselves and our families, but are you putting faith into the words that you are speaking?
One of the most common that’s used is “I’m believing.” Are you? Are you believing or are you just saying that? Are you believing or are you just wishing? One reason so many people aren’t seeing the change in their life that they’re “believing” or “hoping” for is because they’re not actually in faith. How many times have you told somebody “Oh I’m hoping…” Are you? Are you really hoping on the word, or are you wishing on a star? The Bible says in Matthew 6:7 “But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do: for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking.” Don’t say things just to say them.
Another Christianese word that all of us can relate to is “amen”. Amen is not a term of agreement. It’s not something that you just yell out when the preacher says something that gets you all riled up. Amen means “so be it.” It’s a term of authority, of finality. When we pray and we end it with amen, it’s a done deal. In Matthew 8:13 Jesus is finishing talking with the centurion and says “Then Jesus said to the centurion, “Go your way; and as you have believed, so let it be done for you.” And his servant was healed that same hour.” When you say amen it should carry the same faith and power as Jesus saying “so let it be done for you.” That’s the kind of power it should carry with it.
I’m not saying you have to become the word police and start lecturing everyone that says “amen” when talking about how good the after church meal was but don’t let the significance of words escapeYOU. Words are indeed powerful and have meaning. As Christians we are supposed to live by faith (2 Corinthians 5:7). What we say should be faith filled words with intention behind them. They shouldn’t be something we say out of habit, or because that’s just the Christian way of saying it. Just as we watch that we don’t speak negative confessions, we shouldn’t be speaking empty confessions. So don’t. Speak faith, speak power, speak authority! Don’t say you’re believing for something when you know your faith isn’t activated!
I’ll leave you with this. Colossians 2:8 says “Beware lest anyone cheat you through philosophy and empty deceit, according to the tradition of men, according to the basic principles of the world, and not according to Christ.” Don’t cheat yourself through your own traditions. Follow Jesus’ example of faith filled words and intent. Not empty words just to fulfill tradition. Speak with power and purpose, not just watching the negative confessions, but also the empty confessions. Be blessed!