Rethinking Our Christianese: 5 Phrases We Might Need to Retire
By: Thad DeBuhr with Your Jesus Journey
There’s a certain language that develops within Christian circles, phrases we hear so often they can feel like gospel truth. “God won’t give you more than you can handle.” “Just have more faith.” “Money is the root of all evil.” They roll off the tongue, often offered with the best intentions. But have we truly examined if these well-worn sayings accurately reflect the heart of Scripture?
Today, let’s gently explore five common Christian phrases that might benefit from a closer look, a
deeper understanding rooted in the very Word we seek to uphold.
First, consider “God won’t give you more than you can handle.” It’s a comforting sentiment in times of struggle, but does the Bible actually support it?
The Apostle Paul, in 2 Corinthians 1:8-9, shares a different reality: “We were crushed and overwhelmed beyond our ability to endure, and we thought we would never live through it. In fact, we expected to die. But as a result, we stopped relying on ourselves and learned to rely only on God, who raises the dead.”
Paul faced trials that exceeded his own strength. The comfort isn’t in a limit to our suffering, but in the limitless presence and power of God with us in those overwhelming moments. Perhaps instead of saying, “God won’t give you more than you can handle,” we could offer, “God will be with you, even when things feel overwhelming.”
Next, we often hear, “God helps those who help themselves.” This proverb, attributed to Benjamin Franklin, not the Bible, sounds proactive but stands in stark contrast to the core of our faith.
Ephesians 2:8-9 reminds us, “For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.” Our salvation is a gift of grace, freely given, not earned through our efforts. Instead of “God helps those who help themselves,” let’s embrace the truth: “God’s grace is freely given, and we rely on Him.”
Then there’s the common misquote, “Money is the root of all evil.” Scripture actually clarifies in 1 Timothy 6:10: “For the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil.”
It’s the misplaced priority, the obsessive desire for wealth, that leads to corruption, not the currency itself. Let’s refine our language to reflect this truth: “The love of money can lead us astray.”
The phrase “God has a plan for everyone” is another we often hear. While we acknowledge God’s
sovereignty and grand narrative of redemption, applying it to every minute detail of every individual life can raise complex questions about free will.
Deuteronomy 30:19 offers a powerful counterpoint: “Today I have given you the choice between life and death, between blessings and curses. Now I call on heaven and earth to witness the choice you make. Oh, that you would choose life…”God offers a path, a desire for our flourishing, but He also honors our ability to choose.
Instead of a deterministic “God has a plan for everyone,” perhaps we can say, “God offers a plan of redemption and invites us to participate.”
Finally, the well-intentioned but often hurtful, “You just need more faith.” Hebrews 11:1 defines faith as “the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” Faith is vital, but it’s not a simple fix or a commodity to be summoned on demand. When someone is struggling, our response should be one of compassion and support, walking alongside them in faith, rather than offering a seemingly simplistic solution. Let’s replace “You just need more faith” with a more empathetic approach: “Let’s walk together in faith and support each other.”
These phrases, while often spoken with care, can sometimes obscure the deeper, more nuanced truths of God’s Word. Let’s strive to communicate our faith with accuracy and grace, reflecting the true heart of Scripture.
Are you passionate about understanding the Bible with greater clarity and depth, moving beyond well-worn phrases to discover the life-changing truths within? At http://YourJesusJourney.com, we’re dedicated to providing resources that help you do just that.
Explore our unique approach to studying Scripture and discover tools designed to help you engage with God’s Word in fresh and meaningful ways. Visit http://YourJesusJourney.com today and take a step towards a richer, more accurate understanding of your faith.