Previous Challenge Entry (Level 3 - Advanced)
Topic: SLANG (05/14/20)
-
TITLE: The Right Words At The Right Time | Previous Challenge Entry
By Doug Laird
05/21/20 -
LEAVE COMMENT ON ARTICLE
SEND A PRIVATE COMMENT
ADD TO MY FAVORITES
What is meant and understood by one group can be misunderstood and even offensive to others.
In some cases, the slang phrases can express a meaning that is totally opposite of what was the common interpretation of what the word meant.
Within one group, being “cool” could mean that someone shows no friendliness towards another individual or group, or having no enthusiasm regarding a suggestion or proposal.
Yet being socially “cool” in another group or environment would be a top notch compliment indicating social acceptance and approval.
In my teenaged years being “cool” meant to be in line with social trends of the later 1960’s and early 70’s. Being “cool” with the world places one in enmity with God (James 4: 4).
As we all know, communication is not all verbal. The use of overt gestures and facial expressions can speak louder than words. As in the case of slang words, these gestures can means different things to different people.
At one time, failing to do open a door for a lady would generate a well-deserved rebuke. Whereas doing such things now might draw a dirty look or negative comment from a more “liberated” female informing you that she can open the (expletive) door for herself.
In some cultures, such things as touching (patting) of the head, and offering ”tips” for services rendered are considered rude and/or offensive. The crossing of fingers (a western symbol of promoting good luck) is as offensive in some cultures as extending the middle finger in others. In some cultures, lifting food with the left hand is offensive.
Suggesting changes in marital and/or family roles in many cultures is especially offensive.
Although it’s roots stem from the Middle East (Acts 2), Christianity is now seen by many in foreign lands as the religion of the Western World. Perhaps this is because groups within the USA financially support as much as 90% of most global evangelical operations.
Accordingly, one of the hurdles that “American” evangelists have to deal with is the inconsistency that many foreign people’s see in the American family and culture with what Scripture has to say.
If that is what “Christianity” has to offer, they’ll tell you, they have no interest in pursuing it.
The Apostle Paul spoke of finding a common ground with others that could be used as a gateway through which the Gospel Message could be presented to otherwise resistant groups.
“To the weak I became weak, that I might win the weak; I have become all things to all men, so that I might by all means save some (1Cor. 9: 22 NASB).”
The only limitation is that in the process, an ambassador of Christ must refrain from promoting even the appearance of evil (1Thess. 5: 22). Granted, that’s a tall order!
As long as one is talking about past sin, there is nothing wrong with conceding one's own failures when being used of God to minister to others dealing with the same issues. A past sin is one that has been committed, but has since then been confessed (1John 1: 9) and has now been forsaken (John 8: 11).
There is nothing wrong with conceding an ongoing struggle (Romans 7: 14-20) that one is experiencing in the execution of the post salvation spiritual life. Paul did so almost thirty years after he was born again and towards the end of his earthly ministry.
To minister to another as one who has “been there and done that” can be the means of establishing common ground. Sin is a common link with which we all can relate.
I am not suggesting that a walk on the wild side should be a prerequisite for the ministry, but one of the reasons that chaplains can serve certain groups the best is because he is accepted and acknowledged as being, or having been, “one of them.”
We have all sinned (Rom.3: 23). We have not all committed the same sin(s), but as James 2: 10 points out, that makes no difference. We are all in the same boat.
Understanding the environment, the formal terminology, the slang and the practices that any target group is accustomed to is a critical part of being able to communicate and to participate in the primary job (Matt. 28: 19, 20) that the Lord Jesus Christ gave His Church to accomplish.
The opinions expressed by authors may not necessarily reflect the opinion of FaithWriters.com.
Accept Jesus as Your Lord and Savior Right Now - CLICK HERE
JOIN US at FaithWriters for Free. Grow as a Writer and Spread the Gospel.
