What did he say?

A little boy, almost three years old, was corrected by his parents for saying, “Oh my god!” They explained to him that using the name of God in that manner was neither right nor polite. So, without hesitation, he placed one hand on his cheek and exclaimed, “Oh my weird.”

This is a very funny story. But the history behind the little boy’s first remark is reason for concern. The last generation, or two, or three, has been found to lacking in courtesy. Not only courtesy, but also respect, both in language and action, is hard to find in this present society.

When Rhett Butler’s answer to Scarlett in the movie “Gone with the Wind” was heard in theaters across the nation, a collective expression of surprise followed it. This did not mean that this was a nation of hypocrites. It reflected a sense of courtesy. Certain words and topics were not broached or discussed in public.

Now, this is not a call for censorship or for the morality police to step in and clean up this nation’s media. It is an invitation to this society to stop and step back for a moment to examine how it expresses itself today. This problem should be seen as one of the lack of courtesy, discipline, and education.

There are people who do not talk, nor want to be around those who do, using expletives to emphasize their opinion when in a conversation.

Jesus addressed this question of emphatic expression to give weight to an argument or promise. He told His audience not to add to the authority of their statement by swearing by heaven, earth, Jerusalem, or by a person’s reputation. He said, “Just say a simple, ‘Yes I will’, or ‘No I won’t.’ Your word is enough. To strengthen your promise with a vow shows something is wrong.”

This is the very point of this distress call to those who would impart their questionable language upon those who would rather not hear it. Be courteous to those who would prefer not to have to explain to a three year old the meaning of what has just been heard. Be disciplined enough to control anger or excitement. Added expletives do not give weight to any position or argument. Finally, if a person is finding their vocabulary to be so limited as to be unable to completely or civilly express themselves, learn some new words.

Maybe, this little boy really did sum up the status of modern interpersonal communication with those three words. “Oh my weird!”

R-E-S-P-E-C-T

You lose the respect you command, when you fail to respect those you command.

Being Sensitive During Insensitive Times

Most, if not all, Christians think of themselves as the protector of the downtrodden, feeder of the poor, provider of shelter, and all around nice guy. A shudder runs down the spine of the normal church member when the words of Jesus tell of providing water when He was thirsty and food when He was hungry. When these are given to the most insignificant, they are given to Him. So when the hat is passed and the missionaries are present, we give of our Christian duty.

We volunteer. We help the obvious. Yet, people within our realm of influence go without. Someone in your congregation, at this moment is without a job. Parents are going hungry because there is only enough food for the children. Utilities have just been disconnected in the home of someone we know. Families are being torn apart in silence.

If they would only ask for help, it would be provided. We even dare to say that it is not our fault. These people are suffering in silence. We can't fix what we don't know to be broke. But, that's the rub.

The world system will help if it is applied for. The Christian system should be so sensitive to those around them, especially those we rub elbows with, to be able to be led by the Holy Spirit to plug a hole. People with needs are treated many times as people with disease. We don't want to catch the problem of needing help. Besides, who will then help us.

Life

How difficult is it to get along in today's culture? I am convinced that our spiritual condition, relationship with Jesus Christ, determines this. It is a trust factor. If we do not trust ourselves, we tend to mistrust others. Our weaknesses magnify the weaknesses of others.

When our relationship with Christ is poor or nonexistent, we feel that there are no reasons to have a trusting relationship with others. But, when we trust Christ with our failures and weaknesses, we become anxious to see others in the same trusting way that Jesus Christ sees us.

Now, let me make this clear. I am not saying we are to have blind faith in people. We need to trust Christ as He leads us through life and our relationships. When we trust Him, we begin to trust others.