We all use phrases that are popular in our particular culture. Those phrases are often locked into a particular time frame. For example, in the 80’s, “gag me with a spoon” (an insulting response) or “having a cow” (being upset) were used by just about everyone. In the 90’s it was things like “talk to the hand”. In other words, “don’t bother me.”
Over the last few years you’ve heard people say, “you’re dead to me.” This was a clever way of saying, “I don’t care about you and I don’t want to listen to what you have to say.” I was watching a Sitcom on TV the other day and I heard that phrase again, “you’re dead to me.” For the first time, it donned on me that that phrase might be one of the cruelest slang phrases ever used. Imagine, a father saying that to a child, a wife saying that to her husband, a teacher to her student, or a coach to one of his players.
Even when those closest to us make mistakes, be careful what you say. You might be clever, but at what cost? My childhood was decorated with tons and tons of mistakes and bad decisions. But my parents took the time to work through those with me. That was difficult and sometimes painful, but I came out the other side never doubting their love and care for me.
I’m thankful God never says to you or me, “You’re dead to me.” Our God is always about redeeming lives. There is always hope for you and me. Until your heart beats it’s last beat, God is on a redemptive search…for you. Check out Ephesians 2:5 “made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved.”