Every community develops its own lingo and abbreviations. When we first moved to Benton we learned the meanings of UAMS*, LR*, and CJOHCN* in the first week. The restaurant industry offers AYCE* meals and retail stores gain business with BOGO* deals. People in the medical, legal and technology communities speak their own languages and apply particular meanings for commonly used words (monitor, mouse). Even crafters and handymen looking for how-to instructions should know short-cut terms like DIY for Do-It-Yourself. Jesus, in spite of His divine fluency in every language in heaven and on earth, gave His commands in down-to-earth terms everyone can understand. Matthew 5 records several examples
"If anyone forces you to go one mile, go with them two miles." 5:41
"Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you." 5:42
"But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you." Matthew 5:44
I suspect people would flock to Christ if each community of believers spoke Jesus' language and made obeying these three commands our DIY project for even a month. Jesus' commands aren't difficult to understand, but answering their challenge requires courage, humility, and supernatural love.
Father, help us speak Your language fluently so others will know You. Keep us from tossing out spiritual words and church lingo that keeps people who need You at a distance. Teach us to express what You're doing in our lives in simple, clear terms and to live with the courage, humility and supernatural love You give us as Your salt and light. May we stop waiting for someone else to lead the way to revival and spiritual awakening and begin doing what it takes to get there ourselves.
In the Name of Jesus Who went the extra mile, gives to those who ask, and loves His enemies enough to die for them.
*University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences
*Little Rock
*Churches Joint Council on Human Need
*All You Can Eat
*Buy One, Get One
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