It’s possible to become so at home with the language of your subculture that you can speak it without realizing that other people may have no idea what you are talking about. This is especially true for Christians. We have our own language which is often rooted in ideas and experiences that mean a lot to us. It’s important to remember, however, that other people who are new to those ideas and may not have had similar experiences, can find our language to be odd and off-putting. When someone who is new to the Christian faith hears a church sing, “are you washed in the blood of the lamb?” they have to be at least a little confused.
Add to that fact that some of our language has been twisted over time and no longer means what it once did, and you have the perfect recipe for confusion. So, over the next few posts, we will be looking at Christian language, it’s power, and where we’ve gotten lost along the way. First up for examination: “getting saved”.
Background: This language can be found in an account of Paul and Silas. They were travelling from place to place, starting churches and teaching people about Jesus. While in the city of Philippi they were arrested. In prison as the two sang hymns to God and prayed, an earthquake rocked the city. The doors of the prison flew open and the chains fell off of the prisoners. Fearing for his life, the jailer thought about killing himself to avoid facing the punishment for allowing prisoners to escape. Paul yelled to him that all was well and everyone was present and accounted for. At this point, the jailer came to Paul and Silas and asked, “What must I do to be saved?” A simple question, but a life-changing one as well.
The Truth: The process of becoming a Christian and living a Christian life does in fact save us from some things. It can save us from living apart from God now and in the future. It can save us from harming ourselves and others with sinful choices and priorities. It also can save us from living a purposeless life. Not only does following Jesus save us from things, it also saves us for things. We are now have a clear purpose. We are saved to impact the world. We are saved to tell others of the forgiveness and wholeness that we have received and that is available to them.
The Twist: Many times the idea of “being saved” is presented as a choice that has little or nothing to do with the rest a person’s life. It can become an idea that is all about the individual. “I’m in, and that’s what matters most…”. Also, people are less and less interested in hearing what you think is wrong with their lives and what danger they may be facing as a result. It’s easy to point out what’s wrong with someone, but who really wants to hear that? If you are like me, then you probably only listen to people you deeply trust when it comes to the sensitive areas in your life. If we don’t like to be prodded about our failings by people who don’t know us that well, then others won’t respond to that either.
The Way Forward: People need to know that God has plans for their life which includes impacting the world around them. We all crave relevance. We all want to make a difference. So, instead of launching straight into “are you saved?” which many people won’t understand, ask them what they think of Jesus. Talk about your own life with Jesus, and your hope to impact others in the same way that He has impacted you. Have an authentic conversation with people you meet. Don’t just try to assess where they are, make your pitch, and leave. Authenticity is a rare commodity these days, and most times it will be recognized and appreciated.