Avoid Embarrassment! Don’t Make These Three Statements.
Jan 09, 2020
There Are Three Statements I Hear Quite Often That Make Me Laugh or Worry
My father was a journalist, and he taught me that words really matter. Last week, I shared one string of words, “Really Unique”, that doesn’t make sense. Some time ago, I realized I had started accepting statements that seem true, but upon further reflection realize that they don’t make sense. Because we hear some of them so often, we may find ourselves repeating the statement. Unfortunately, we are perpetuating untruths and ultimately, embarrassing ourselves. Even worse, we are spreading misleading statements, especially among our friends or people we are trying to influence or comfort.
Below are three statements that I have heard often. With love and compassion, you can turn these sometimes-attacking statements into wonderful opportunities to deepen discussions, and ultimately sharing the gospel. Here are my three most often heard.
You’re Being Judgmental!
If you have spent any time talking about your faith with a Non-Believer, you have heard this statement. It seems to put Christians unnecessarily in a defensive posture. The definition of “judgmental” is… of or concerning the use of judgment. In fact, the person saying that you are being judgmental is making a judgmental statement. Ironic? Yes! When my wife pointed this fact out gently and compassionately to a non-believing family member, he paused, agreed, and then the conversation was able to go to a deeper and more open level.
You’re Being Intolerant!
This statement is like the one above and very often said by Non-Believers. The definition of “intolerant” is… not tolerant of views, beliefs, or behavior that differ from one's own. Ironically, this statement is often a statement of intolerance. It’s accusatory and can be a form of positioning oneself in self-righteousness. A less heated or critical statement of disagreement would be, “I don’t agree with you”. When I have gently and compassionately pointed out the intolerance of the statement, the other person agrees, and we can continue talking in a more respectful and loving way.
Your Truth Is Not My Truth!
This one is a pretty common escape clause when one of the people in a conversation feels he can’t defend well his position and is not open to any more discussion. The definition of truth is… the quality or state of being true. So, by definition, the paragraph header is using the word “truth” incorrectly. There can’t be two truths about the same subject such as God. By using the word truth, the speaker is trying to elevate both views to the level of truth. Just saying something is a truth doesn’t make it a truth. What the people in the discussion mean is that they don’t believe the same thing and have not agreed upon an ultimate truth.
Conclusion
I hope this blog has made you more sensitive to seemingly true statements that sound good but are misleading. If you think of some others, please email me at [email protected].
Charlie Haines
