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.