Lent

So, it is Lent. Time to decide what to give up, or take on, or whatever it is that you do.

This year, I didn't think I was going to give anything up, but then my friends and I were talking about "Christianese." Christianese is the words and phrases that are common in Christian circles but everyone else is like 'what the hell is that supposed to mean?' As my friends and I were discussing it, I realized that this insider talk has really seeped into my daily life. That realization along with the fact that insider speak can dissuade people who aren't privy to what you know has caused me to look at the way I communicate with people.

This year I am giving up Christianese for Lent. Words and phrases like, "bless her/his heart", "love on", "Fellowship", "guard your heart" and other such words and phrases. The motivation behind this is to make my communication with my friends who may not know what I am trying to say better. Also, this makes me pay attention to what I'm saying. I don't just throw churchy words around without thinking about what I mean. I have to articulate my ideas in more direct language.

Ok, so that is where I am. Just thought I would share. :)

Guard your heart...

What is it about Christians that they think they don't need to explain what they are talking about? I mean, I've grown up in the church, and I'm not sure I understand what the "older, more mature Christians" who give me advice are saying to me half the time. For example, I'm talking to one of the ladies at church about a guy I like. Nine times out of ten they say that I need to be sure and "guard my heart..."

really? guard my heart?

What does that even mean???

Is it like guarding the basket from the other team when they have the ball?

I did a quick Biblegateway search for "guard your heart" and came up with 2 verses, one in Proverbs:

Above all else, guard your heart,

for it is the wellspring of life.

Proverbs 4:23

And one in Philippians:

And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Philippians 4:7

Only the second is at all helpful in understanding what people are saying. I didn't need to know why to guard my heart, clearly it would be painful if I didn't. I still need to know how.

The Philippians verse goes a little further in explaining what it means to "guard your heart". the thing is, it doesn't sound like something I can do but rather God has to do it.

This is all so frustrating. Really Christianese? Can't you have a dictionary, or step by step guide or something practical like that? I suppose not, because then there would bee no need to gnosis... damn gnostic roots.

OK, I'm gonna try and catch some z's before church. night!