“There is no other commandment greater than these.” – Mark 12:31b
There are some words in the English language that have a particular meaning but when used are oftentimes done in jest or light-heartedly. I feel like the word jargon is one of those words. Whether I use it or hear it, more often than not it is done with a humorous spirit or intent. For example, if I am sitting down with friends of mine who are in vocations I know nothing about, I am genuinely intrigued but can sometimes get lost in the jargon because I do not know their industry. In these moments, I usually will respond jokingly with something like, “Please forgive my ignorance but I don’t know (vocation) jargon.” It is certainly an opportunity for me to learn more about their industry and the vocational world in which they live each day, but my spirit and the overall spirit of the conversation is light-hearted in nature. Maybe some of you are thinking of other words that cause this similar reaction.
Or, you might be asking, “What does jargon have to do with missions?” See, jargon actually has a particular definition and appropriate usage, traditionally within the vocational world. One definition of jargon offered by Cambridge Dictionary is, “Language used by a particular group of people, especially in their work, and which most other people do not understand.” As Christians, I think we can agree that we share a common language as a group of like-minded believers who share similar worldviews which many people, especially non-Christians, do not understand. We see this clearly in John 3 and Jesus’ interaction with Nicodemus and the reality of the necessity of being, “born again.” Further, we see an example of this in John 6 when Jesus proclaims Himself as “the bread of life,” and the Jews are left wondering how He was going to give them His flesh to eat. Just take a moment and think about everyday language we use as Christians, some even used in previous sentences, like “brother/sister,” “believer,” “evangelical,” “confessional,” “like-minded,” etc… This, of course, is not an exhaustive list but I think the point is clear that as Christians who have been adopted as sons and daughters (see what I mean 😊), we share much in common, including language.
So, let’s circle back to the question that might have come up in your mind in reading this (and rightfully so!), what does jargon have to do with missions? There are really two brief encouragements I want to offer up when thinking about our common language, or jargon, and missions.
First, I think we can learn from the Apostle Paul when, amidst his defense of apostleship in 1 Corinthians 9, he lays out an incredible example for us of a proper posture in our missions’ efforts. Paul seems to communicate how his posture toward those he was trying to reach was to be as relatable as possible, without compromising the Gospel. This discourse culminated in the words, “I have become all things to all people, that by all means I might save some (vs.22b).” I simply want to encourage us as Christians to recognize our jargon (which is right and good) but also understand that it can and likely is not understood, or misunderstood at best, by an unbelieving world. I am not suggesting we change the message of the Gospel in any way shape or form, let me be clear, but what I am suggesting is that we not allow our common phraseology as Christians to create unnecessary confusion as we seek to, as Paul states, save some.
Second, but more importantly, I just want to encourage us in the usage of one common word within our jargon as Christians. That word is love. Love is universal and should be used, and demonstrated, liberally in our missions’ efforts. I was reminded of this recently as I participated in a training with other KY Disaster Relief volunteers known as Critical Incident Stress Management. During this training, we were equipped by an excellent instructor, Denise Thompson, in ways to support first responders and others who have experienced, whether primarily or secondarily, a critical incident. There was good instruction, excellent dialogue among the group, participatory activities, and video supplements but one common thing I noticed from all the activities and comments was the consistent message of loving our neighbor, and loving them well, in their time of need. See, Jesus offers us the summation of the commandments in this directive to love God with all of our being and to love our neighbor as ourselves (Mark 12). As I said, love is a universal language, known to Christian and non-Christian alike in some way, shape, or form but, as Christians, we understand fully the love by which God has loved us and that being that He would give of His only Son to die for our sins. Yet, death had no victory in that Christ rose from the dead on the third day. God’s love is so great that even while we, as Christians, were dead in our sins and trespasses, we have been made alive in Christ (Ephesians 2). This sacrificial gift is the epitome of love and knowledge of such should spur us on toward love and good deeds (Hebrews 10) extended to fellow human beings with the ultimate goal of making disciples, The Great Commission (Matthew 28).
Yes, we could be described as a group with a common language that is not understood by many people, or jargon, and that is okay. I hope in our ministry efforts we will recognize this reality, understand those to whom we are ministering, and become that which they need, without compromising the Gospel, to see that we are a driven people because of one particular word known to all, and that word is love. There would be no greater compliment to receive at the end of our days than for one to simply say, “He/She was someone who loved well.”
For obedience to the Great Commandments and fulfillment of the Great Commission.
To God be the glory!
Leave a Reply