I came across a saying the other day attributed to the one and only, Dolly Parton. Apparently, she often says, “Well, the way I see it, if you want the rainbow, you have to put up with the rain.” I like that! There is a real truth embedded in it. I then thought of a whole bunch of other sayings, some of which I use myself. Such as, “If life gives you lemons, make lemonade.” Or, “If life gives you lemons, learn to juggle!” Or, “If life gives you lemons, ask for sugar and water, too!”
There are many of these kinds of sayings that contain some kind of truth, opportunity to think of the upside option, or turn away diversity with a bit of humour. Sayings are common in our Aussie vernacular – in fact, every culture has their sayings and “proverbs”. Another example, (Old Chinese saying), “The money is not yours until the money is in your pocket.” There’s others our more mature citizens might remember their parents relaying, like, “It’s better to have loved and lost than to have never loved at all”, meaning that the experience of love is such a wonderful, rich thing that to have experienced it in a special relationship with someone, even briefly, was still special even though that relationship did not eventuate in marriage. There’s something true about that, too.
Then there is these: “You can lead a horse to water, but you can't make him drink.” “If you want something done right, you have to do it yourself.” “When in Rome, do as the Romans.” “Fortune favours the bold.” “You can't always get what you want.” “Actions speak louder than words.” “Never judge a book by its cover.” “Life wasn’t meant to be easy.” Yep! There are heaps of these we use, or hear being used, all the time – we could compile a list of hundreds of these sayings. Years ago the American Express advertisement on TV stated, as I recall, used the slogan: “It is better to give than to receive” and the attribution was that it was “an ancient Chinese saying” when, in fact, it was one of the sayings of Jesus Christ – misquoted or misappropriated, take your pick. Jesus actually said, “It is more blessed to give than to receive.” Acts 20:35 (NIV). The ad agency obviously didn’t do their homework, took a wild guess, didn’t like the bible, or all of the above.
Biblical sayings (texts) have often been misquoted and misused for some distorted agenda over the years, like “money is the root of all evil” when, in fact, the bible actually says, in 1 Timothy 6:10 (NIV) “For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil.” There are also times when sayings that have circulated have been said to be biblical when in fact, they were never true, and are complete fiction. I heard one of these today, spoken by another Christian leader. She said, “Well, we all know that God helps those who help themselves, right?” I couldn’t help myself and responded – and not in any way rudely, I assure you - “Um, no, the bible NEVER says that. The bible says that God helps those who trust Him. Those who help themselves mostly don’t even think they need God’s help, or that God can even help.” Awkward moment right there …
How many times did Israel find themselves in a right (kosher) pickle because they preferred to help themselves rather than trust in God? I can count at least fifty-four specific times (there are probably more) when Israel preferred not to trust God and do things their way – and not once did it ever end well. Not once.
The bible is so very clear; there are many, many references to trusting God always and not just when we’re in strife, either. It is the way we believers live. We walk by faith, it says, which is a lifestyle of trusting God in all things, every day. Hebrews 10:38 (NIV) “But My righteous one(s) will live by faith. And I take no pleasure in the one who shrinks back.” That’s how this whole faith thing works for us Christians – by trusting God no matter what. And what do we actually trust in?
His unfailing love.
His total forgiveness.
His grace.
His utter faithfulness.
His great mercy.
His provision.
His protection.
His power.
His kindness.
His compassion … HIM!
These, and much more, are His holy, glorious attributes.
Romans 8:31 (NIV)
“What, then, shall we say in response to these things?
If God is for us, who can be against us?”
So, there are sayings which are humorous and which contain a kernel of truth. There are some which are not true at all, are cynical, but are pretty funny just the same. There are others which are said to be true, and are even attributed to Jesus and/or the bible, but which are completely wrong.
Here’s a couple of sayings well worth remembering, and using often this week – because they are absolutely true! And they are in the bible, too!
Psalms 20:7 (NIV)
“Some trust in chariots and some in horses,
but we trust in the name of the LORD our God.”
Psalms 147:11 (NIV)
“… the LORD delights in those who fear Him [that’s about reverent trust],
who put their hope in His unfailing love.”
This is about the trustworthiness of God’s unfailing love and faithfulness to us – always.
Think on these things.
Ps Milton