Friday, May 17, 2013

Go Do Something For Christ's Sake (add your own commas)

"Don't get me started!"  This is what you will often hear right before someone not only already will have started, but will continue for some time!   It's a "throw away phrase" that really means "thanks for asking, and here's the details".   Of course English has many of these similar type phrases. Here are some more:

"Can I ask you a question?"   -  well, you just did and one is all I can handle right now.
"It goes without saying."  - but they are going to say it anyway.
"It literally...."  - there is a good chance that it actually isn't literal.
"I'm looking forward to ... "  - it's in the future....you have no choice but to look forward to it.  You could be looking forward to a colonoscopy for that matter.
"Like...."  - like we don't get like enough like likes already
"With all due respect."  - yes, you are about to hear something that shows they don't respect you or your view on something.

And finally, "For Christ's sake" -  You weren't expecting a swear, were you?!  But there it is....which usually means that someone thinks that what you just did or just said was stupid or unwelcomed.   But, what would actually be "for Christ's sake?"  I think if you were actually doing something for Christ's sake, it would be a good thing.  So, giving a cup of water, helping the sick and needy, being hospitable to strangers, sharing resources, giving of your time, talents, and income, telling people about Jesus.  All of these would be wonderful things to do and, each of them would qualify as being done for Christ's sake.

So, go do something for Christ's sake! 

Joell

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