The title of this post sounds a little like a boxing or wrestling match, doesn’t it? “In this corner, we have God. And in this corner we have Jesus!” Now some of you are probably thinking, “Wait a minute. Jesus is God. What exactly are you trying to say?” OK, let me explain.
For quite some time I have been disturbed by the average person’s use of the word ‘God’. We hear it all the time don’t we? We probably use it quite a bit ourselves. When someone is excited, or when they are confronted with tragedy, the first words out of their mouths are, “Oh, my God!” (Personally I don’t like this saying but that is for a different post.) There are others who, when they are thankful for something, say “Thank God for _________”. Even we, as Christians, have a tendency to overuse the word ‘God’. We say things such, “God was certainly looking out for me!” when we have a close call with an accident, etc.
My problem with the use of the word ‘God’ is this: Just exactly who are people referring to when they say this? You say, “Hello! They are referring to God!” I know that. I mean exactly what kind of God are they referring to? For example, are they referring to a concept? Or a Divine Being? Or the Creator of the Universe? Or is it simply a phrase that they use that has no meaning at all? The problem in our culture, as I see it, is that the word ‘God’ has become too generic. It means different things to different people. It has become watered down. Lost its significance. The fact is that many people use the word without the slightest idea of who they are referring to. Now, on one hand, I am glad that the name of God comes up so frequently. On the other hand, I think that our overuse of ‘God’ has innoculated us to who God really is.
Now, as Christians, when we use the word ‘God’ we know in what context we are using it. We are referring to our Heavenly Father. The Creator and Ruler of the Universe. The One who loves us with an everlasting love. The problem is that unbelievers don’t share this same context. So, what I am proposing to do is to substitute the word ‘Jesus’ into our conversations in place of the word ‘God’. I think it’s vitally important that we do this. Think of how different our conversations would be: “Thank you Jesus for a wonderful day!” “Jesus was really looking out for me there.” “Jesus knows best.” Do you see the difference? Instead of the vague and general ‘God’, we are using a specific name, Jesus. Everyone knows who Jesus is. It makes it crystal-clear who we are referring to.
Unfortunately, using the name of Jesus may make some people uncomfortable. The reason why is that the generic ‘God’ can be made into anyone’s image. Unbelievers are comfortable using ‘God’. So are members of cults. And Muslims. And Hindus. But when we talk about ‘Jesus’ it’s a different story. He is a specific person mentioned in Scripture. He claims to be God’s Son. The Savior of the world. Obviously, a number of people don’t believe this. When we use the name ‘Jesus’ we might offend them. Or they may feel a twinge of guilt. Or they may begin to label us as ‘Jesus freaks’. However, I think that the advantage of substituting the name of Jesus for God in our conversations is worth it. It directs people’s thoughts to a specific person. To the One who died on the cross for our sins. The One who will return to earth soon. Who will be the Judge of all humankind.
So, I would encourage you to be a little more specific and intentional in your conversations. Let’s talk about Jesus more. After all, He is the most important person in human history. His life divides history. His death was the greatest act of love in human history. His resurrection is the greatest miracle of human history. Someday He is coming and will re-enter human history. Jesus. Jesus. Jesus.
“For this reason also, God highly exalted Him, and bestowed on Him the name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee will bow, of those who are in Heaven, and on earth, and under the earth, and that every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” Philippians 2:9-11
“And there is salvation in no one else; for there is no other name under heaven that has been given among men by which we must be saved.” Acts 4:12
Lord, I thank you for Jesus. It is through His name that I am saved. Help me to treasure and respect and love His name. And to frequently use it in my conversations. In the wonderful name of Jesus, Amen.
For quite some time I have been disturbed by the average person’s use of the word ‘God’. We hear it all the time don’t we? We probably use it quite a bit ourselves. When someone is excited, or when they are confronted with tragedy, the first words out of their mouths are, “Oh, my God!” (Personally I don’t like this saying but that is for a different post.) There are others who, when they are thankful for something, say “Thank God for _________”. Even we, as Christians, have a tendency to overuse the word ‘God’. We say things such, “God was certainly looking out for me!” when we have a close call with an accident, etc.
My problem with the use of the word ‘God’ is this: Just exactly who are people referring to when they say this? You say, “Hello! They are referring to God!” I know that. I mean exactly what kind of God are they referring to? For example, are they referring to a concept? Or a Divine Being? Or the Creator of the Universe? Or is it simply a phrase that they use that has no meaning at all? The problem in our culture, as I see it, is that the word ‘God’ has become too generic. It means different things to different people. It has become watered down. Lost its significance. The fact is that many people use the word without the slightest idea of who they are referring to. Now, on one hand, I am glad that the name of God comes up so frequently. On the other hand, I think that our overuse of ‘God’ has innoculated us to who God really is.
Now, as Christians, when we use the word ‘God’ we know in what context we are using it. We are referring to our Heavenly Father. The Creator and Ruler of the Universe. The One who loves us with an everlasting love. The problem is that unbelievers don’t share this same context. So, what I am proposing to do is to substitute the word ‘Jesus’ into our conversations in place of the word ‘God’. I think it’s vitally important that we do this. Think of how different our conversations would be: “Thank you Jesus for a wonderful day!” “Jesus was really looking out for me there.” “Jesus knows best.” Do you see the difference? Instead of the vague and general ‘God’, we are using a specific name, Jesus. Everyone knows who Jesus is. It makes it crystal-clear who we are referring to.
Unfortunately, using the name of Jesus may make some people uncomfortable. The reason why is that the generic ‘God’ can be made into anyone’s image. Unbelievers are comfortable using ‘God’. So are members of cults. And Muslims. And Hindus. But when we talk about ‘Jesus’ it’s a different story. He is a specific person mentioned in Scripture. He claims to be God’s Son. The Savior of the world. Obviously, a number of people don’t believe this. When we use the name ‘Jesus’ we might offend them. Or they may feel a twinge of guilt. Or they may begin to label us as ‘Jesus freaks’. However, I think that the advantage of substituting the name of Jesus for God in our conversations is worth it. It directs people’s thoughts to a specific person. To the One who died on the cross for our sins. The One who will return to earth soon. Who will be the Judge of all humankind.
So, I would encourage you to be a little more specific and intentional in your conversations. Let’s talk about Jesus more. After all, He is the most important person in human history. His life divides history. His death was the greatest act of love in human history. His resurrection is the greatest miracle of human history. Someday He is coming and will re-enter human history. Jesus. Jesus. Jesus.
“For this reason also, God highly exalted Him, and bestowed on Him the name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee will bow, of those who are in Heaven, and on earth, and under the earth, and that every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” Philippians 2:9-11
“And there is salvation in no one else; for there is no other name under heaven that has been given among men by which we must be saved.” Acts 4:12
Lord, I thank you for Jesus. It is through His name that I am saved. Help me to treasure and respect and love His name. And to frequently use it in my conversations. In the wonderful name of Jesus, Amen.
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