The Courage to Correct
by George Keck
An advertising man on a California newspaper, con verted only last January, sizes up a situation in which we often find ourselves, and suggests a remedy.
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O NE OF THE TRAGEDIES of to day, as of the past, is that Christians are so afraid of Christ. The name o f the Lord Jesus is used far more often as a curse in everyday conversation than it is used with reverence and love. How many of you, during the course of the week, hear the name Christ used in any way except as a sacriligeous expletive, such as, “Oh, Christ, I wish you’d quit that,” or some other equally or more offensive expression? This is not so true for minis ters, with whom laymen, if they know with whom they are speak ing, are prone to be careful with their language. But conversation among many groups of laymen is heavily inter larded with the name of the Lord Jesus used in vain, used thought lessly, used as an exclamation, used without any regard for the nature o f the person of whom they are speaking. This misuse of the name of our Saviour is offensive to Christians. It grates on their ears; it makes them flinch inwardly. Yet, how often do they say anything about it. How often do they remonstrate with the speaker? Well, you know the answer. Al most, if ever, never. It shouldn’t be so, but it’s true. Religion and
Christians should submit to hear ing His name used in vain the rest of the week. Christianity needs more believ ers who have taken the Lord Jesus so completely into their lives that they can and will talk about Him. It needs believers who can, when the opportunity arises, put aside their reticence about something as close to the heart as their personal faith, and ex press this faith to others. God needs and wants men and women who will help make the name Jesus Christ the name aoove all names, a name used only with wonder, love, thankfulness and respect. Let us try not to deny Christ by saying nothing when He is reviled, either intentionally or thoughtlessly. It will take strength of will and plenty of prayer. The reward for those who make the effort will be a stronger Christian life, a closer bond with their Friend, the Lord Jesus, whom they are not afraid to stick up for, and an ever- lengthening roster of those who have found faith because someone had the courage to speak out.
individual belief are so intensely personal that many people find them very difficult to speak about, especially when in the midst of a worldly group where thoughtless use of Christ’s name is the norm and not the exception. But wouldn’t it be wonderful if sometimes, when a person uses the name Jesus Christ as a curse, we could admonish the speaker, perhaps reminding him that “ Je sus Christ died for you. Won’t you please respect His name?” It takes courage to do this, more courage than you can imag ine, courage that this writer prays will be granted him in far greater measure than he has shown so far. Rest assured, if you do say something, the speaker will prob ably be most surprised. You may make him angry; you may get a nasty reply. But perhaps next time he’ll think twice before he curses our Lord. Your words may even start a train of thought or a conversation that will lead a man or woman or young person to personal belief and acceptance of the salvation given us by the Lord Jesus. There is no reason why words of honor, glory and praise for Jesus should be heard only on Sunday from the pulpit, and that
Copyright 1965 by The Evangelical Beacon. Used with permission.
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NOVEMBER, 1966
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