Stop Using Religious Platitudes!

First let me confess I've probably used every religious platitude known to man: on myself, spouse, children, students, friends, strangers, etc. So I'm not ranting in judgement that falls any further than my own feet. But can we just stop!

What is a religious platitude?

Here's an example:

A person is going through a really tough time - not of their own making. It could be sudden traumatic loss, abuse, abandonment, betrayal, basic unfairness, etc. Then a Christian says:

DON'T WORRY; IT'S ALL PART OF GOD'S PLAN FOR YOUR LIFE

First - This is just rude - because you didn't validate the pain this person trusted you enough to share.

Second - This is wrong theology - God's plan for our lives is not some detailed step by step fixed itinerary JOURNEY that can be messed up by anyone, including ourselves.

God's plan for our lives is a destination. And the destination is that of a MUCH LOVED CHILD OF THE KING.

Another one I've recently heard is:

DON'T WORRY; GOD IS USING ___________ FOR YOUR GOOD

NO! God does not use trauma, loss, evil people, abusers, betrayers, etc as weapons against us for our good!

Other religious platitudes:

God works in mysterious ways

Let go and let God

When God closes a door, He opens a window

God will not give you more than you can handle

Do bad things happen to good people? YES

Is life unfair? YES

Are people who dedicate their life to serving God immune from hurt? NO

So what's a person to do?

First - allow each other to feel the pain, confusion, loss, hurt, betrayal, trauma and just be there for them without a word! Without a bible verse to fix it. Without a platitude or Christainese phrase. Don't be Job's friends!

Second - Learn Jesus - not the Old Testament - not the Judges or the Prophets - or even the Apostle's - Learn JESUS.

When He encountered people in pain He had compassion, He listened, He wept, He sat with them, He touched them, and He offered healing.

All the crap that comes our way in life - the hurt, loss, trauma, betrayal etc is not FROM God but He does REDEEM it .

Isn't that just another platitude?

Maybe. And it sure isn't the thing to say when someone is in the middle of the storm, however it is WHO Jesus is: THE REDEEMER.

Knowing that nothing is wasted in my life - trusting not even one tear has fallen to oblivion - and believing all things will be made new - has helped me get up and face a fallen, dark, dangerous, sad, painful world many a day.

Jesus as Redeemer is a truth that has kept me alive - literally. It's faith in the ultimate goodness of God, faith that sustains through the dark night of the soul - that allows me to recognize and give thanks for each God gifted breath I breathe.

I know some things will never be put right here on Earth. I understand the difference between the here and now and eternity. I quit looking for justice in every situation I've faced. I've succumbed to the reality of irreconcilable differences and that Judas is alive and well and actively kissing friends on the cheek. And I'm done with handing out - and receiving - Christainese platitudes.

For 2022 and going forward I strip off all the Christainese habits, sayings and beliefs and put on Christ Himself. I intend to learn Him more, speak Him more, live Him more.