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Colossians 2:12 – Are You A Geek?
What is a geek? Some proudly wear that moniker. Those that do, usually make money off of being a geek. Before the days of computers and Bill Gates, most defined “geek” synonymously with nerd – someone unsophisticated or uncool—if you need a picture just look in any high school yearbook! Nowadays a geek is someone technologically savvy. Although both geek and nerd are “Americanisms,” surprisingly they were not always synonyms according to Webster’s Dictionary.
“Geek” has morphed – kind of ironic to think of a “geek” as morphing! According to my 1980 Webster’s dictionary, when compared to how the word “geek” is used today, it is one of the most improperly used words in the English language. However, language changes – especially a language as adaptable as English.
According to my 1980’s Webster’s, “geek” means “a performer of grotesque or depraved acts in a carnival, etc., such as biting off the head of a live chicken.” (Webster’s). The dictionary does not define it as a nerd. Surprised? Think very many people would wear that name proudly if it still meant biting off a chicken’s head?
If continuously and incorrectly used and heard, a word often enough looses the original meaning – and a new, sometimes completely unrelated, definition appears. Be honest, did you know the former definition of geek? I didn’t!
In English, words changing definitions is fine and can actually be positive because English needs to adapt to ever changing situations.
In religion, there are plenty of words that have changed meaning because of misuse and ignorance. This is not positive. When we use a word differently than how God through the Holy Spirit used a word, we are wrong and have no right whatsoever to adapt God’s words to our every changing situations. What must change is us – not God.
What are some of these improperly used words?
Church – Never in scripture, is the word church used to describe a building. It always refers to people. In a N.T. dictionary the definition is “an assembly.” A church is people. Jesus died for people (Ephesians 5:25).
Faith – So many in today’s religious world acquaint faith with mental acquiescence. In Bible times, saving faith was an obedient faith (Romans 1:5). Yes, the bible teaches we are saved by faith (Ephesians 2:8). But the faith that saves is defined differently than how people use the word today. The faith that saves is not a warm, fuzzy feeling. The faith that saves is not just a belief that God exists. In fact, there is a Biblical example where someone tried to change the definition of faith:
James 2:14-18 NASB What use is it, my brethren, if someone says he has faith but he has no works? Can that faith save him? (15) If a brother or sister is without clothing and in need of daily food, (16) and one of you says to them, “Go in peace, be warmed and be filled,” and yet you do not give them what is necessary for their body, what use is that? (17) Even so faith, if it has no works, is dead, being by itself. (18) But someone may well say, “You have faith and I have works; show me your faith without the works, and I will show you my faith by my works.”
Elder – Have you ever met a Mormon “elder” …and this “elder” was barely old enough to shave? Some words should need no extensive challenge to correct erring definitions. This word should be that plain. After all, “elder” is related to “elderly.” Biblically speaking a man is an elder if he is spiritually mature, hence the word “elder.” Spiritual maturity should coincide with “chronological maturity” (ahem, getting older!). Scripturally speaking, being spiritually mature enough to be an elder is proved within three realms – character, teaching, and family.
Titus 1:5-6 NASB For this reason I left you in Crete, that you would set in order what remains and appoint elders in every city as I directed you, (6) namely, if any man is above reproach, the husband of one wife, having children who believe, not accused of dissipation or rebellion.
The next time a Mormon “elder” knocks on your door, ask him how his wife and kids are doing!
Saint – According to the Catholic Church, a saint only becomes a saint after their canonization long after the candidate’s death. Funny, Paul must have written the book of Romans to a group of dead, canonized Christians (Romans 1:7).
Romans 1:7 NASB to all who are beloved of God in Rome, called as saints: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
Baptism – Every Greek (not geek) dictionary defines baptism as an immersion. Even used metaphorically, baptism is a burial (Colossians 2:12). Yet in today’s religious vernacular, the word can be defined as an immersion, a sprinkling, or a pouring. So according to the way God used the word, we are only scripturally baptized if we are immersed. According to many present-day preachers, you can have water sprinkled on you instead. Whose definition do you trust more?
It doesn’t matter if we are a geek or not. It does matter if we change God’s words or decide to listen to what He means.
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