Did God Say It First? Popular Sayings vs. Bible Scriptures
Often times I hear quotes and popular sayings that many of us may use. I think of how some of those sayings may contradict what the bible says and how God wants us to be. However, there are some that are bible-based, unbeknownst to the many that use them. As followers of Christ, we have to be careful not to be conformed to the world (Romans 12:2), adopting the attitudes and lifestyles of those who may not be Christ-centered.
We are called out and separate from those who do not follow Christ and our lives should be a reflection of Him. One of my favorite scriptures is in Matthew (one of my favorite books) and it says “you will know them by their fruit”. Our fruit is what we are producing, the words that come out our mouths, and the way we think and act towards people.
Remember, the things that we say, flow from our hearts. So lets look at some popular quotes and sayings and compare them to God’s word.
“Sorry, not sorry” (not aligned with God’s word)
As believers, we know this is not God’s heart. We are told to be peacemakers, and making peace sometimes means apologizing for something you’ve knowingly or unknowingly done. Regardless if someone accepts the apology or not, we humble ourselves and be willing to apologize.
Why isn’t this aligned with God’s word?
- Humility is at the center of apologies. It can be hard sometimes, especially in cases where you may not see where you may have been wrong…. apologize anyway. Wholeheartedly and sincerely.
- Matthew 5:9 says, “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God”. Its actions like saying sorry to someone that set us apart from the rest of the world. While others are sorry for not being sorry, we are actually apologetic towards others. That is how others will know we are followers of Christ and sons/ daughters of God. Romans 12:18 tells us, “if it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone”. This means, it is on us to be peacemakers. If that means an apology, then that’s what we have to do. I do know this is something easier said than done most times. Pray and ask God to soften your heart and replace any pride and reluctance with humility and a thirst for peace.
“Birds of a feather flock together” (aligned with God’s word)
Yes, it’s true that alike people usually hang around each other. We count on many things that may bind a group of people, maybe it’s a common hobby, religion, interests, or cultural similarities. This is natural and helps form strong communities when everyone is on one accord about a particular thing. But the bible warns us to be careful who we associate with and the company we keep. I want to look at this from two different perspectives.
Why this is aligned with God’s word?
- First reason to be mindful is because when you accompany those not providing a Christ-like example, you will slowly begin to look, sound, act like them. 1 Corinthians 15:33 in the AMPC translation says “do not be so deceived and misled! Evil companionships (communion, associations) corrupt and deprave good manners and morals and character.” . Some of us may have noticed that when we are around a certain person or group of people, we may act different. Have you ever done that or noticed someone else do that? Maybe we don’t curse or drink, but when around a certain group, we do those things. Or maybe you don’t really care to go to that club or party, but you do it because of who you are with. We begin to conform, dimming God’s light within us.
- The other reason to be mindful is because, in order for us to do God’s work, we have to be willing to step out our comfort zone and infiltrate people and circles where His light is needed the most. Jesus, himself, took time to minister to non-believers, because, well, how else are we going to reach them if we don’t interact with them to some degree? Now I know some of you may say I’m contradicting myself, asking, “Ok, well should I have non-believers around me or not?” My short answer is, the difference here is that Jesus was there for them, to save them. That’s how we are to be. We are to shine His light and be there to share His love to people who may not otherwise know truth about God and His loving character. If we all just hung around other believers, we just “preach to the choir”, meaning, we aren’t helping bring new souls to Christ. You don’t have to adopt the characteristics of non-believers. You shouldn’t conform to the habits and ways of the world but allowing God to use you to influence the world. Jeremiah 15:15 tells us “You must influence them; do not let them influence you”.
“Good things come to those who wait” (aligned with God’s word)
This is probably When we read this saying, I’m sure many of us already have Isaiah 40:31 coming to mind. “But those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint.”
Why is this aligned with God’s word?
- This is truth. Some may take this as just waiting for things to align, or waiting on an outcome, or waiting on the “universe”. We followers of Christ know that we do not wait on chance or just fate, but we wait on God. Look at how the AMPC translation reads, “But those who wait for the Lord [who expect, look for, and hope in Him] shall change and renew their strength and power; they shall lift their wings and mount up [close to God] as eagles [mount up to the sun]; they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint or become tired.” . We wait on the Lord with hope and faith. We can trust His perfect plan and His perfect timing. Good things do come to those who wait because God rewards our patient trust in Him. Every good and perfect gift is from our Father.
Bottom line of this Petal:
Some of the popular sayings, quotes, and mottos that are out there do support the word of God, but others directly contradict it. We should be careful of the things we say or things we repeat. Remember, we are supposed to be influencers, not influenced. God wants us to spread His love to those who may not know about Him. He wants us to do all we can to live at peace with others, and He wants for us to wait and trust in Him for all things.
Prayer:
Dear Lord, thank You for choosing me to be Your child. Help me to represent You Lord, in a world that so desperately needs you. Soften my heart towards others. Help me seek to keep peace with those around me and lead others to the ultimate peace that can only come from You. Give me the courage to speak of Your goodness to people I may not usually associate and cover me while I do so, that I am not conformed by the world around me. In Jesus’s Name, Amen.
Comment Below:
What are some quotes or sayings you’ve heard that agree, or contradict with God’s word? I know there are plenty more out there. I look forward to what you think!
