Since the Homiletics blog went up, I’ve posted more than 500 times, and I figure at least 436 of those must have had some kernel of homiletical insight however small. So the following is No. 437.
Asylum.com published a few days ago a list of 8 phrases we get wrong. You can read the full list here, but I give you a sampling, to wit:
1. I could care less
What you think it means: "I couldn't care less."
What it actually means: You actually do care.
2. It begs the question
Would you think it means: To ask or raise a question
What it actually means: To use an argument that assumes as proved the very thing one is trying to prove.
3. I did a 360
What you think it means: Completely changing your opinion.
What it actually means: Your opinion changed, but then changed back to your original opinion.
4. PIN number
What you think it means: A non-repetitive way to refer to your personal identification number
What it actually means: That you're being redundant. Especially when you use your PIN number at the ATM machine.
5. Lion's share
What you think it means: The greatest of multiple shares
What it actually means: You're not technically incorrect, because, over time this has become one of the phrase's definitions. But the phrase originally comes from an Aesop's Fable in which the lion took all -- not the largest -- of the shares. Because that's what lions tend to do.
6. I am nauseous.
What you think it means: I have a sick feeling in my stomach.
What it actually means: It depends. Prior to World War II, you'd have been clearly saying, "I make other people sick," and the correct term would have been "I am nauseated." However, over time, the usage has shifted to the point that many language experts have deemed "I am nauseous" as an acceptable explanation of your own queasiness. Just be careful using that term around the old folks' home.
The sermon part?
Think of some of the over-worked platitudes we are muttering all the time in church and do some re-thinking. Do they mean what we think they mean?
1. God is love.
What you think it means: No matter what I do, God has warm, fuzzy feelings for me.
What it actually means: God’s nature is love. That’s why if you manage through some gross stupidity on your part to screw up and make God angry, you have really messed with the essential nature of God.
2. We all believe in the same God.
What you think it means: As long as you worship something, or someone, the universe is going to be kind to you.
What it actually means: You are simply lazy and don’t want to really study your faith, or explore theological questions.
3. God must have a reason or he wouldn’t have allowed this to happen.
What you think it means: I didn’t screw up. This happened because God was behind it, so fortunately, maybe I can find a way out.
What it actually means: It doesn’t mean anything. It’s nonsensical.
And so on.
Think of some phrases of your own. I think you can get some mileage with this. I just spent four minutes on this post.
Think what you could do in four hours.
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