Thursday’s Thought

      A Mid-Week Inspirational Message

    (C) 2003-2008 Ron Adams

RED FLAG WORDS

I use this term to identify words that must be used cautiously for fear of contradiction. Here are some examples:

never

every

none

always

EXAMPLES

I never would do such a thing.

I have resisted every temptation to sin.

I have violated none of the Lord's commandments.

I always do the right thing.

     Each can be proven false by only one exception. One must be careful using such absolutes. We would do well to avoid the grief brought about by carelessly using these words.

If we say that we have no sin, we are deceiving ourselves and the truth is not in us . . . If we say that we have not sinned, we make Him a liar and His word is not in us.

1 John 1:8,10

A CASE IN POINT

On several occasions Peter used the word "never" only to have to retract his absolute statements.

Peter took Him [Jesus] aside and began to rebuke Him, saying, "God forbid it, Lord! This [Jesus being killed] shall never happen to You."

Matthew 16:22

But Peter said to Him, "Even though all may fall away because of You, I will never fall away."

Matthew 26:33

Peter said to Him, "Never shall You wash my feet!" Jesus answered him, "If I do not wash you, you have no part with Me."

John 13:8

Red flag words, such as never, always, every, and none, need to be used with extreme caution. It's not pleasant to be proven wrong and have to eat your words.

Quotations from NASB