Watch Your Language
I recently heard a friend recount a startling experience. She ended the story with, “I literally died when he jumped in front of me!” As a writer, I’m particular about how I use words. She and I both knew she did not literally die. If she had, we could not have had that conversation. Of course, I understood what she was trying to say.
Still, one word has the power to change the essence of a conversation.
We do need to be careful to say what we mean and mean what we say. This is especially true when we share the Gospel, and even more so when we speak to children. Children are literal communicators; they often think in concrete terms. Abstract phrases such as “ask Jesus into your heart” can be confusing for a child. Most little children wonder how Jesus could fit in there!
When we share biblical truths with young ones, our listeners will benefit from age-appropriate vocabulary. This is not the time to use theological words such as justification or sanctification. How would you describe to a child what it means to be “bound by sin” or to be “saved”?
But depending on his or her age, a young child may understand that God sent Jesus to us so we could be part of His family. Or that when we’re part of His family, God helps us do the right thing each day.
And by the way, this doesn’t apply just to children. Even the apostle Paul asked for prayer that he would proclaim the gospel clearly (Colossians 4:4).
Don’t wait for the conversation to get ready. Prepare now for opportunities God will bring to share the good news with the children in your life over this holiday season. Words matter. Let’s choose ours carefully.
Oh the beauty and craziness of the American English language! So many expressions and hyperbole. People assume we know what they mean, and most of the time we can figure it out. But like you said, children are very literal. The last thing we want to confuse them on is the Gospel.
I have 2 pet peeve expressions:
“It was to DIE for!”
“I love you to the moon and back!”
UGH. Hate them both. The first one for obvious reasons. The second one suggests there’s a limit to my love, which I know isn’t what the expression means. Still, I hate it. If we have to use an expression for love, let’s borrow from Buzz Lightyear: “To infinity and beyond!”
Love that, Pam! “To infinity and beyond!” 🙂
I know, right? Because that’s what people mean when they say, “I love you to the moon and back.” SIGH …
I love this important post as well as Pam’s comments. As a children’s writer, I have learned (and am still learning) how to use words that clearly communicate to children what I am trying to say, and to avoid cliches or metaphors that would confuse them. Thanks, Ava and Pam!
Thanks, Crystal!
Ava, you are exactly right. It concerns me that we try to give small children information in such an abstract way, that they are confused about salvation and may never know they didn’t really understand.
Yes, Gail. In an effort to simplify, we can move beyond age-appropriate language into phrases that mean something other than we intended…and cause confusion later.