When you think of the word “profession,” you probably think about a career, an occupation, or a job. A Professional then is the opposite of an amateur. But did you know, originally the word profession was about verbalizing your religious vows? Many words evolve naturally over time, usually the change is benign. Currently, we are in the midst of a wicked cultural shift and key words that once represented certain values are being hijacked.
Words are powerful, after all “in the beginning” the universe was spoken into existence. Words have the power to shape our thoughts, attitudes, and our actions. Words matter.
As if from within an Orwellian plot, stealthy characters have stolen certain words from us and transformed them into something alarming. At one time, these words had carried a certain meaning, and suddenly it seems, they mean something completely different today. Traditionally these words resonated deep within us, reaffirming values and virtues, holding sway over us. The grunt work of getting us to accept the validity of these words was accomplished long ago, so harnessing these words with a subtle sleight of hand was nothing less than genius.
For example, the word “celebrate” once meant rejoicing over achieving an accomplishment or reaching a milestone. Now, “celebrate” refers to accepting alternative lifestyles that once were deemed repulsive. Consider the current phrase “Celebrating diversity.”
In the same way, the word “privilege” has been altered. It once stood for an honorable or special possession. Now, when we hear it, it carries the notion of being overbearing, forceful, and autocratic.
“Spirituality” once held tightly to a view of the supernatural, it signaled the truth that we are mortals and we derive our meaning and purpose from God, to Whom we naturally should submit to. Not so today. Spirituality is whatever you want to be: Warm fuzzies, good vibes, or happy thoughts. You simply create your own reality, and BAM, you are one with the universe...
Another big one is the word “tolerance.” At one time, tolerance indicated a respectful attitude, one that considered the opinions of others with which we disagree. No longer. Tolerance now implies all views have to be considered equal, regardless of how bizarre or perverted they may be, and these contrary views have to be accepted by all. And, have mercy on the soul that is labeled “intolerant” in today’s relativistic society.
I’m sure the same can be said of “fairness,” “equality,” and “normal.” Forget restraint, frugality, or hard work. Now to be fair and have equality, everyone else deserves what you have regardless of effort, hard work, or merit. And everyone deserves to be treated not just the same, but better than you. Fairness is no longer fair, it’s a word that is used to leverage power over anyone who is deemed more successful.
I’m sure I’m not the only one to observe how the word “sexuality” has been taken apart, killed, and reanimated like a freakish frankenstein creature. Biology, DNA, and common sense have been discarded and now feelings or preferences rule the day. This of course corrupts the word “family” as well.
The reason for reframing these words is to persuade us to change our views or to silence our objections. If we disagree with the way these words have been changed or if we call attention to the charade, we are labeled as intolerant bigots, homophobic, or hatemongers.
Be sure of this, we will see the rise of censorship and the increase of listed hate crimes over the next decade, specifically targeting Christians. Unless we do something radical we will be forbidden by law from proclaiming the truths of the Christian faith or stating what our core beliefs are. We won’t be allowed to use the word sin or label any activity as sinful, for soon it will be a criminal offence.
It’s time to say what we mean and mean what we say and reclaim the true meaning of these words I’ve highlighted and probably many more. We don’t have to be judgmental, legalistic, harsh, or cruel to stand by our virtues and values, the ones that have shaped our hearts and souls for generations -- but we do have to profess what we believe if we want to make a difference.
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