Lesson 8 | Deeper Relationships
What I Say and What I Mean
Now we will examine the concept of the “deeper” relationship. This topic is dangerous, as history is filled with proud people using such concepts to stand over the Bible and twist it to mean as they desire. But the danger also lies in the other direction. That is, if we can only see what the scriptures say but do not understand what they mean then they do us no good.
So I invite you to join me in thinking over how language works—how what we say relates to what we mean—in order that with fear and humility we might seek out the meaning of God's Word.
There is what I say, and there is what I mean.
What I may say.
Throw out your line; see if you catch a fish. Throw out your line and see if you catch a fish. Throw out your line. Then see if you catch a fish.
What I mean.
Throw out your line in order to see if you catch a fish.
What I may say.
The glass broke when you dropped it on the ground. Yes, the glass broke. You dropped it on the ground!
What I mean.
The glass broke because you dropped it on the ground!
What I may say.
I studied all night and failed the test. I studied all night but failed the test. While I studied all night, I still failed the test.
What I mean.
I studied all night. Nevertheless I failed the test.
Choose the deeper relationship!