Let me tell you something that's been my mind lately. Growing up in the church we often hear catchy church phrases like they're hashtags, but half the time we're missing the weight of what we're really saying. Your aunt or grandmother may have said some of these common phrases, but they may not have meant much to you, and may still be less impactful, even now. The context matters, family, and when they eventually hit, they hit!
Let's break down some of these spiritual sayings that often leave us scratching our heads:
1. "Being Equally Yoked" (2 Corinthians 6:14) We hear this mostly in dating conversations, but it's deeper than just "date a Christian." It's about shared vision, values, and spiritual direction. Ask yourself: Are you moving in the same spiritual direction as those closest to you?
2. "Walking with God" (Genesis 5:24) Sounds mystical, right? But it's simply about consistent, intentional relationship. Like checking in with your closest friend throughout the day, sharing your thoughts, seeking guidance.
3. "Taking Every Thought Captive" (2 Corinthians 10:5) This isn't just positive thinking. It's about examining your thought patterns against God's truth. When anxiety hits, ask: "Is this thought aligned with what God says about me?"
4. "Praying Without Ceasing" (1 Thessalonians 5:17) Nobody's expecting you to walk around with your eyes closed all day. It's about maintaining an ongoing dialogue with God, like having your phone line always open.
5. "Hidden in Christ" (Colossians 3:3) This isn't about playing spiritual hide-and-seek. It's about finding your identity in Jesus rather than your accomplishments, relationships, or social media presence.
6. "The Fear of the Lord" (Proverbs 9:10) This isn't about being scared of God. It's about having a proper reverence and understanding of who He is - like standing at the edge of the Grand Canyon and being in awe.
7. "Testing the Spirits" (1 John 4:1) Not about ghost hunting, but about discernment. Are the messages you're receiving - whether from social media, friends, or even church - aligned with God's Word?
8. "Dying to Self" (Galatians 2:20) Sounds morbid, but it's about choosing God's way over your natural inclinations. When you want to clap back on social media, choosing grace instead.
Here's the thing - these phrases aren't meant to be spiritual jargon that makes us feel holy. They're practical instructions for living out our faith in a world that's constantly trying to shape us into its mold.
Start by picking one of these concepts each week. Study it. Write it in your own words. Find modern-day examples. Share your insights with others in our forum. Let's move these truths from our vocabulary into our daily decisions.
Remember, understanding comes through application. Don't just learn the language - live it. Which expressions (listed or not) would you like to understand better? Let us know in the comments!
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