Recently I had the opportunity to visit London. It is one of my favorite cities. I enjoy visiting a place with such rich history, while still having the advantage of shared language. In my opinion, that's a win-win! However not all words mean the same thing. Take for instance the word "jumper". In the USA, a jumper is a shoulder-to-thigh girl's dress, whereas in the UK a jumper is a knitted garment worn over a shirt or tee by either gender.
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Leaving from Victoria Station to another, I noticed this sign. Now if you are an American you will know that the word "tooting" likely has a different meaning than is meant for this sign...and that's all I am going to say about that.
However, it causes me to think about the way a misunderstanding can arise when the language being used is not universally understood by all parties. Some of these misunderstandings are having a profound impact on Christian thought and community. Words like meditate or contemplate seem to evoke peace in one person, while at the same time striking alarm in another. Phrases like silence and solitude may sound attractive to one but repel someone else. So what is my point? These are phrases that seem to be dividing the body of Christ more than unifying it. And frankly, I think we have more in common than we realize, but sometimes what we say gets lost in translation.
I've been asked if I practice contemplation or meditation. And while the question does not surprise me, it is clear by the way the question is asked, that we might not share the same definition of the word, so I usually asked for clarity. "Well, do you pray using a candle or try to empty your mind?" Usually comes their concerned response.
"I suppose sometimes I enjoy the beauty of a candle when I am thinking on Christ. It reminds me that He is the light of the world (John 1), but I don't use a candle every time I pray. And sometimes I ruminate on a portion of scripture and 'chew' on it a bit longer because it helps me remember his truth and make it real in me (James 1:23).
Am I searching for a stage of Nirvana in doing such things...nope. Not one bit. Have I crossed over to Zen Buddhism? Not unless the Levites did when they were keeping the Lamp-stands lit in the Tabernacle, or unless David did when he opened up his great songs of worship with a call to 'meditate on this day and night'."
Usually the next question is something like, "What about this whole silence and solitude thing?" I guess after a busy or difficult day, week, month or year, silence and solitude offers a welcomed rest. In it, we can quiet the voices that have come at us all day long, everyday. Its a chance to come away with God and just hear His voice. In that regard I enjoy being alone in silence, and I am willing to guess that many of us do, I know Jesus and the disciples did (Matt 14, Luke 6 & 9)!
But these questions are asked for good reason. I am grateful for the inquiry because it means their meaning is not being assumed. The fact is, these words have become confusing, and without realizing it we've inserted our own definition - drawing from it our own conclusion. We do this often, don't we? We almost can't help it. Words mean something to us and they should... but sometimes I assume I know the meaning, or the story, behind the words when in reality what I really need is a little clarification.
There was a short Youtube video that went viral not very long ago. It showed two young children discussing whether it was "Sprinkowen or wainin'" outside. Can I say it is absolutely adorable?!
Here's the link.
Did you watch it? Oh I hope so! It is just so ridiculously cute! Each child meant the same thing, but were using different words. An argument ensued, at which point near the end, one struck out and "hurt the heart" of the other. This video has a lot to say about the way in which we might communicate and assume meaning. It's worth some thought....sometimes we hurt the heart of another with our commendable concern, but quickened judgments. I can only wonder if one of these cuties had asked, "What do you mean?" if the whole problem would have been avoided, and I wonder the same thing about the church.
The next few blog posts will be dedicated to just such words...words where we may have heard, "Sprinkowen" and have no idea that what they really meant was "wainin". So be sure to come back and take a peek to see how the discussion is going. Let's keep from getting things lost in translation. If you have ideas or questions, an anonymous response can be added to the comment column below.
All praise to HIM, that is God - Father, Son and Holy Spirit, who is in all things, above all things and before all things!
