Caveat of Faith

I trust you started your day off right with, "This is the day that the Lord has made. I will rejoice and be glad in it."

My day started off with the words caveat of faith playing over and over in my mind. It was strange to me at first, but as I began to study it out, I realized there is a warning in my morning musings.

First let me remind you of the meaning of caveat:

A warning of a specific limitation of something such as information or an agreement. It also helps to realize a few applicable synonyms such as a warning, caution, admonitions or qualification.

Wigglesworth is called the Apostle of Faith. He was credited with this caveat of faith, "DOUBT YOUR DOUBTS AND BELIEVE YOUR BELIEFS". The word caveat comes from the Latin word beware.

Speakers use some of these expressions often, to sound more credible. I found this article as I was researching the use of caveats and felt it was interesting enough to share with you today. It is from the Humphrey Group, and it is called, EIGHT CAVEATS THE CAN RUIN YOUR CREDIBILITY, written by Judith Humpphrey.

1. "TO BE HONEST"
This is one of the most common expressions of this kind. It also pops up as "honestly," or "let me be honest with you." When you use this caveat, you're implicitly warning your audience that everything else you're saying may not be true. Why plant doubts in your audience's mind? Remove this caveat and state what you know to be true.

 2. "IN MY OPINION"
We hear this one a lot. Usually, the speaker wants to qualify what he or she is about to say. Variations include, "it's just my opinion," "in my humble opinion." Calling your views just an "opinion" weakens your statement. Remove this caveat. You might replace it with the stronger "I believe." Or, even better, show the reasons you've taken this stance.
3. "YOU MAY ALREADY KNOW THIS, BUT … "

Speakers may use this expression to sound humble and accommodating. But in fact, they suggest their remarks are redundant—and not worth listening to. Think before you speak, and if you feel somebody knows what you're about to say, don't say it, or present the information in a new, forceful way.

4. "I'M NOT SURE"
We often hear this one from people who may be perfectly sure of their views but want to sound humble. Eliminate a phrase that declares, "Don't listen to me." Just plunge into what you believe. Others will listen to you and respond to your good ideas.

5. "I COULD BE WRONG"
This expression projects weakness and uncertainty—why should anyone care about those views? If a financial analyst says, "We expect inflation to increase, but I could be wrong," we don't know what to believe. The expert essentially has ruled himself out as an expert. Leave this caveat out and deliver a more thoughtful response. Don't create the impression that you're over your head in dealing with the subject.
 
6. "THIS IS PROBABLY A STUPID QUESTION"
This is a self-inflicted wound. Listeners will immediately discount the words that follow. Imagine a job interview where a candidate asks, "This is probably a stupid question, but can you tell me whether I could work from home." If your question is valid, ask it. If it's not, don't. But don't flag it as a dumb question.

7. "JUST A THOUGHT"
This harmless sounding caveat is another credibility killer. It's sometimes used when a senior person doesn't want to sound overpowering. A boss might say to a junior team member, "Just a thought, but are you looking for a mentor?" No need to undercut yourself.

8. "IF YOU DON'T MIND"
This caveat, along with expressions such as, "Do you mind?" or "If that's okay," weakens you—and sounds a bit edgy. One might say to someone they admire, "If you don't mind, I'd like to ask you how you built such a successful career."  "If you don't mind," makes it sound like the speaker is entering territory where she may not belong. If you're close enough to that person, ask it without the caveat. Otherwise, holding back is the best way to go.

Words matter, and these expressions will do nothing for you. Cut the caveats and you'll sound more confident.

I have added this to say the Bible is not a Book of caveat's. Like the expression above, Doubt Your Doubts and Believe Your Beliefs. The Word of God is full of Assurance, Truth, and Confidence building Principles wrapped around the person of Jesus Christ. It is backed by the Promises of God and activated by the Holy Spirit in the core of your being. The Bible never attempts to prove, the existence of God, the Bible assumes the existence of God. For instance, "In the beginning was God".

Have you ever heard people say, "take what you hear with a grain of Salt"? It is interesting when you look at what it means, but we are not to read the Bible with this mind set. What is meant by this expression is:

  • to understand that something is not completely true or right
  • not to take something too seriously
  • accept with some reservations or skepticism

I AM A DEMONSTRATION OF MY FAITH THEREFORE FOR US TO BECOME SALT AND LIGHT, OUR STATEMENT OF FAITH IS:

"GOD SAID IT, I BELIEVE IT AND THAT SETTLES IT."

SUMMER BLESSING TO YOU AND YOURS,
Pastor Cleddie Keith