Perspectives

“Pride comes before the fall.” Alright… confession time. I think this saying is a tradition in my immediate and extended family. I would say that this statement of warning favors the male species because we are more likely to think more highly of ourselves. I’ve heard it

“The Christmas Story” The Body of Christ has certainly taken some creative liberty with the Christmas Story over the centuries. We’ve added extra details for unknown reasons. I’m sure they can be traced to various roots, but there’s not room for all of that here. Let’s just

“All things work together for good.” In our short attention span microwave-ready culture, we sure do love the short pithy sayings. Have you heard the above declaration before? Usually, something good has come out of or after something bad for someone. They might post what happened on

“Do not judge, or you too will be judged.” Matthew 7:1 Oh, how we love to quote this verse to promote tolerance for sin in our society. Have you heard it used in Christian circles today? Or even non-Christian? I mean, who are we to say that

“Cleanliness is next to godliness.” Parents used this saying with my generation, but it may not be said as much today. This was deemed motivation to get a child to clean his room or eat at the dinner table without making a mess. Yep, the parents played

“The bricks have fallen down, but we will rebuild with dressed stone; the fig trees have been felled, but we will replace them with cedars.” Isaiah 9:10 Without having to name names, there have been at least two high profile U.S. politicians who used this verse in

“Love the sinner, hate the sin.” This cliché is used quite frequently in Christian circles today as justification for loving people regardless of their sins or lifestyles. After all, God is a God of love and yet He also detests sin. However you feel about this saying,

“Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with me.” Revelation 3:20 For perhaps decades here in America, this verse has been used to describe

“The truth will set you free.” Is this a Bible verse? I’ve heard it used by people trying to enlighten another as to the so-called “truth” in a particular situation. It’s often stated in a humorous or even condescending way. I think I may even have used

“Then the Lord said to Cain, ‘Where is your brother Abel?’ ‘I don’t know,’ he replied. ‘Am I my brother’s keeper?’” Genesis 4:9 Anyone who has had a younger brother or sister has probably used this line on their parents to shirk responsibility. I know I have.