A Cleveland, Ohio pastor has caused internet viewers and audiences to engage in constant discussion regarding his recent choice of words during a sermon given at his church. Pastor RA Vernon is being criticized for a concept he chose to use in efforts to simplify a command given to Christians.
According to RA Vernon, “F U” is the new “Forgive You.” Many deem the issue to be,” A pastor is somewhat cussing in church and making it okay for Christians to cuss,” or they are saying, “the devil is using him to cause Christians to revert to former lifestyle associated with “FU” and God is not associated with this sermon.” Needless to say, others feel his concept of, “F U is a failed attempt to be relevant, trendy, or cutting edge; He is simply becoming too “worldly” and this sermon was a prime example of how far he is straying away from what preaching should be. “
While the concerns, and “issues” with the concept in his sermon are completely understood; could it be that many critics and Christians alike are missing the big picture, or the real issue with Pastor RA Vernon using,”F U.” The phrase, “forgive you” has value you, power, significance, and is necessary for building up relationships. “F U” has no value you, is degrading, insignificant, and often tears down relationships. To substitute, “forgive you,” with the letters “F U,” is to minimize, degrade, devalue you, and distract people from speaking a phrase and living a phrase that is necessary for the restoration of humanity.
The big deal isn’t necessarily, ” this pastor cussed and said F U in church.” Honestly, he could have used other letters or others words and the problem would have been the same. “Forgive you” does not need substitute phrases that rid its power and cause people to dismiss its significance. May preachers be more careful with their choice of words and concepts spoken into the lives of people they influence on a consistent basis. In attempts to be relevant once cannot be ignorant to word association and its power.
Pastor RA Vernon was not the first to use this concept of, “F U” in the pulpit, but hopefully he is the last.
-Charity
