I (dis)like Big But's....

There is nothing in this world that drives me more crazy than our use of the word "but". There are appropriate uses of the word. I am totally cool with that. However, (see how I didn't use "but" though that use would be appropriate) it is when it is used in statements that no one should make and apologies and especially by people who love Jesus that it bothers me. What bothers me even more is I DO IT ALL THE TIME!!! BLURG!!!! With my husband, with my kids, with my friends....BLURG! I hate that in me.

So let me rant!

Why don't we look at some examples. All of which I have done.

"I am so sorry I took your doll, but I wanted to play with it."  Um...no you are not sorry. You just negated your apology. You wanted the doll and so you took it.

"I know I shouldn't say this, but she looks ugly." If you know you shouldn't say it, then don't!

My absolute favorite!

"I know I shouldn't tell you this, but GOSSIP GOSSIP JUICY GOSSIP. Just don't tell anyone." BLURG!!!! There are one hundred things wrong with that.

I think life would be so much better if we just got rid of all the "but's". They are usually either things we should not say, excuses, negative junk that doesn't help anyone and again, stuff we just shouldn't say anyway.

However, I think God may have given us the word to give us pause. 1 Corinthians 10:13 says "No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it." Maybe we need to see the word "but" as a way out. An opportunity to stop talking. And as listeners, when we hear that "but", either stop that person or if they stop we need to support their way out. Let's help a brutha or sista not sin...you know what I'm saying?!?

One the the first verses I ever memorize was Matthew 12:34. The newest NIV speaks it even clearer. "You brood of vipers, how can you who are evil say anything good? For the mouth speaks what the heart is full of."

So is your heart full of big "but's"?