"Christianese"

Christianese...

Do you speak it? 

Today I came across an article that not only made our entire office laugh hysterically, but also, made a point. It is from an article in Relevant magazine called: "20 Christianese Phrases We Really Need To Stop Saying" by John Acuff. 

This one REALLY got me:

Just Sayin'
"Christians use this phrase as a "Get out of jail free card. We write the most vile, bitter statement and then punctuate  it with "just sayin'," as if it makes the rest of it invisible  It didn't. We still saw what you wrote. You know who would have loved this phrase in the Bible? The Pharisees. Can't you see them saying to Jesus, "Whoa, Jesus, you healed a guy. That's great. Healing is awesome. It IS the Sabbath though. Just sayin'." If we only retire one phrase on this list, I hope it is this one." (John Acuff)

Isn't that so good? Good and uncomfortably true. It made me think, along with all the other "Christianese" phrases, how many things I allow to come out of my mouth so thoughtlessly, without thinking about it. Not even just "Christianese" but full on gossip?! Or rudeness? 

My younger brother hasn't quite caught onto the fact that "Just kidding" doesn't make a variety of ornery behaviors "okay". Despite my best efforts to explain this to him multiple times, he is still under the happy delusion that "Just Kidding!" is a hallpass for... anything! Haha... But seriously, I wonder how many times we as "adults" are guilty of the exact same behaviors. I KNOW I am. Maybe we are a little better as disguising it than a small boy, but still... it's definitely a thought that has me challenged! 

"Even a FOOL who keeps silent is considered wise; when he closes his lips, he is deemed intelligent." -Proverbs 17:28 

BOOM. Here's to keeping my mouth shut! 

Think before you speak. THINK before you speak. Think BEFORE you speak... 

Just sayin'.