I’m convinced that sometimes we speak and we are oblivious to what or how we say it. Sometimes we are totally unaware of what we say. Even truer is that we often don’t know why we say something. Please let me explain.
There was an old saying the British Government used during WWII: “Careless talk costs lives.” I heard it used another way: “Loose lips sink ships.” The implication of that saying is more than clear. I guess it is not implying, but stating a fact: speaking loosely and freely could have consequences. In that case, one never knew if a spy was just waiting for a juicy tidbit to share with his superiors.
There are certain phrases we use at Christmas time which can be said glibly without stopping to think what is being said. For example:
“Keep Christ in Xmas.“ I know that was started for the very reason I just showed. Xmas. And I also know what the insinuation is. You use Xmas and you are taking Christ out of Christmas. But in reality, that thought goes a whole lot deeper. Christ can’t be taken out of Christmas by a mere abbreviation. Far more deadly is our heart pushing Him away or losing sight of Him during the rush of the season.
It gets easy to push Him out of Christmas. I think that is when it really becomes Xmas. Not by abbreviation, but by a reckless disregard for His place in my heart.
I want to keep Christ in Christmas. Not by not using Xmas (which I do sometimes when I’m in a hurry writing), but by having my heart tuned into Him.
For your reading pleasure 🙂 : Tomorrow I plan to take another common phrase and write my thoughts about it.
I think what it boils down to is intent…
And unless someone tells us their intent (and is truthful) you just never know.
The crucial part, as you point out, is not an abbreviation, but whether or not we have removed Christ from our heart or have never had Christ there to begin with.
I think you provide a great reminder to do a gut (heart) check this season (and every season)… Has Christ been abbreviated in your own life instead of being super-critical of someone else’s.
You got the message Ryan loud and clear! I really like your application in the last sentence. Thanks
I agree with you Bill, and Ryan. Christians always need to do a heart check to make sure, that their knowledge of Christ is not just head knowledge. They need to make sure that their not basing their knowledge on just a feeling or an emotion. We need to be all in as Christ followers, seeking Him in every part of our lives, and putting Him first in all we do, think, and in the way we act.
I so agree with Gail. We have too much head knowledge for the most part. We need the heart involved as well.
Seems like we’re on the same page with our recent reflections on Christmas, Bill. Jesus should have our full focus, not an abbreviated one.
Blessings!
I noticed that also Martha but mine came later so you win! LOL