“Courage, Dear Hearts”
In Part One, I said of I Peter 3:15, “Modern Western Christians need to stop murdering this verse for our own purposes. We may not be that far from needing its real meaning.” I’d like to explore a little further as we look at that real meaning.
I’ve done a couple posts recently on misused Scripture passages, and this one keeps popping up in things I’ve read, so I’ll take it on, too.
I Peter 3:15
But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear:
“Endorsement-Creep” is not someone who endorses creepy things, nor is it a person who has some creepy fascination with endorsing people or things. 🙂
Mez McConnell has a fun post on “Understanding the British Language.” Fifteen statements, properly translated for non-Brits to understand (and informing Brits of what non-Brits think they mean). Two of my favourites:
What the British Say:
With the greatest respect….
What the British Mean:
I think you are an idiot.
What Others Understand:
He is listening to me.
***
What the British Say:
I’ll bear it in mind.
What the British Mean:
I’ve forgotten it already.
What Others Understand:
They will probably do it.
A previous post on a non-Brit trying to come to terms with British culture: 11/11/11 — “Would You Like to Buy a Poppy?”
Though I posted this in “Just for Fun,” there are spiritual applications. Our words may hold different meanings than we intended to those to whom we are speaking — and they may have meant to communicate differently from what we think we are hearing. We need to be quick to hear and slow to speak, charitable, and humble.
If the agenda of homosexual political campaigners was merely for freedom and rights, there would have been no debate on reorientation in the Houses of Parliament on Wednesday. Lesley Pilkington would not have been targeted by a homosexual reporter so he could get her struck off for “reparative therapy.”
I’ve read authors who say that the virtuous woman of Proverbs 31 is not actually referring to a wife, but to wisdom’s personification as a woman as seen earlier in Proverbs. I’ve read authors who refute that, and assert that it most certainly is speaking of the qualities that a woman should seek to develop. Now this:
Everything in Proverbs points to this final emphasis, on the man sitting in the gates who has chosen his wife (and his life) well. A man who follows the way of wisdom – God’s way – and lives a life honoring and well pleasing to the Lord.
Pastor Don Johnson, How ‘My Son’ Turned Out After All, at Proclaim & Defend. He’s done all the hard work for us. All I have to do is link to it, all you have to do is go read it — an interesting and thought-provoking article.
I’ve temporarily tightened comment moderation, so there may be delays in seeing your comments. They will appear eventually. 🙂
Mind Renewers 