Christian Cliches Are Not Scripture

Sometimes we repeat clichés because they sound spiritual, wise, and even biblical. We hear them so often that we begin to accept them without ever stopping to ask: “Is this actually what the Bible teaches?”

A saying can sound good and still not be Scripture. It may even contain some truth, but no cliché should ever be given the same authority as the Word of God.

One expression I have heard many times, especially when people are considering listening to an unfamiliar preacher or teacher, is: “Just eat the meat and spit out the bones.”

I understand what people mean by this. They are saying, “Take what is good and reject what is wrong.”

But there is a problem. How can we recognize the meat and the bones if we do not know the Word of God?

Discernment requires knowledge of the truth. If truth and error are mixed together, a person who is not grounded in Scripture may accept the error and reject the truth. We may even “spit out” something that is actually biblical simply because it challenges what we have always believed.

The answer is not merely to become suspicious of everyone. The answer is to become grounded in the Word of God.

Hebrews says: “For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach you again which be the first principles of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat… But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.” Hebrews 5:12–14 KJV

Notice that spiritual maturity is connected with discernment.

The spiritually mature have learned, through continued use of God’s Word, to distinguish between good and evil, truth and error. Discernment does not come merely because we have been Christians for many years. It develops as we grow in our knowledge and understanding of the Word.

Sometimes what we call “bones” may actually be strong meat.

Strong meat is not always easy to digest. Sometimes the Word of God challenges us. Sometimes it confronts traditions, preconceived ideas, or beliefs we have held for years. Our first reaction may be to reject something simply because it is unfamiliar or uncomfortable.

But unfamiliar does not automatically mean unbiblical.

And familiar does not automatically mean true.

That is why we must search the Scriptures for ourselves.

“Test all things; hold fast what is good.” 1 Thessalonians 5:21 NKJV

The purpose of everything I write is to encourage spiritual growth. To know is to grow.

My intention is never to put anyone down or make anyone feel ashamed for what they do not yet know. We are all learning, and we are all capable of growing. I have had to examine and change some of my own beliefs as I have continued studying the Word of God.

We should become thoughtful and discerning believers, not people who automatically accept everything we hear, but also not people who automatically reject everything that challenges us.

Our standard must be the Word of God.

I understand that not everyone knows how to study the Bible. But we can learn. We can ask questions. We can read passages in context. We can compare Scripture with Scripture. We can pray for wisdom and ask the Holy Spirit to help us understand. My hope and purpose are always the same: I want to encourage you to read and study God’s Word for yourself.

Do not build your faith on clichés.

Do not build it on what “they say.”

Do not build it solely on what you have always heard.

Build your life on the truth of God’s Word.

And may you have a blessed, Jesus-on-your-mind kind of day!