You Know You Are Old When...

Lately I have been feeling like a dinosaur that has been somehow transported into the 21st century without having been briefed on the language. I have to ask my granddaughter about text messaging shorthand like omg and thx.

I just read the blog of a friend and he used the expression "jump the shark." What shark and how am I going to jump over it? In fact, why would I want to jump over it? I looked up the meaning of the expression and it means that something has reached it's lowest point. It comes from the TV show "Happy Days" when Fonzi jumped a shark on water skis which was considered the lowest point in the show.

I don't even understand the commercials. The police department here is running a commercial about if you do the crime, you will do the time. They ask questions like "Are you slinging?" and "Are you strapped?" Again, had to go to the granddaughter to translate.

I even have trouble with some "Christian speak". You know, those words like "sanctified, righteous, justification, and Christ comeing to live in your heart." Those of us that are more mature Christians have had time to learn fully what these words mean, but I find myself having to explain to new Christians and those who wish to become Christians.

I fully realize that Isaiah 55: 11 says, "So shall My word be that goes forth from My mouth; It shall not retun to Me void, But it shall accomplish what I please, And it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it." But it seems to me that when we present the gospel to the world today, we should use one of the newer translations that breaks down these "church words" into something they can understand.

Did you know that most newspapers are written at a 7th grade reading level? We are no longer a society of readers and as such, communication needs to become simpler and simpler. Hebrews 4:12 states, " For the Word of God is living and active and sharper than any two-edge sword and as far as the division of soul and spirit...able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart." This book was written to Jews and uses an image that they would understand so that the gospel would be clear to them. Even Jesus used familiar imagery to make sure his audience understood what He had to tell them about God's kingdom.

Who are we to hang on to our "church talk" so that the world cannot understand what we are talking about? Nowdays, I simply share my salvation story and what Christ has done with me and for me. That seems to be something everyone I have talked to seems to understand; real world experiences that happened in the world and with the language they live with every day.

I'm not saying don't use the Word of God. All I am saying is to invest in one of the modern translations and when witnessing, use it. You may be surprised how quickly the lost come to understanding and desire salvation. All we need to do is speak their language.