Every Thursday I feature a “throwback” post from my blog archive. The goal is to look back and discover new lessons or opportunities to grow. This week, we’ll look at “Translation Please” You can view the original post here. For today, here’s a quick recap and a few more thoughts about the language we use when communicating about Jesus.

In April of 2019, I posted “Translation Please,” closed my browser, and vanished from the blogosphere for nearly three years. Why? Your guess is as good as mine. Writing there just seemed to slip off my priority list without warning. Fast forward to now, and I’m back to hitting the publish button regularly. But just like the break, I really can’t recall why I decided to return. But here I am.

Wondering what it’d be like to consistently share thoughts that might nudge people closer to Jesus and help them discover their purpose, I started writing again. And guess what? In just under a year, I’ve shared 90 new posts! It reminded me that consistency beats perfection every day of the week. Life will throw plenty of curveballs, but the real magic happens when you keep showing up and pushing forward.

Revisiting “Translation Please” got me thinking about language all over again—especially how we communicate the message of Jesus. As believers, our unique vocabulary, references, and stories resonate with us. But assuming everyone’s on the same page can lead to frustration, confusion, or feelings of isolation. This “insider language” often becomes a significant roadblock in sharing Jesus with those outside the faith.

This language barrier becomes even more apparent when connecting with the next generation—the kids and students coming up behind us. As we lead them toward Jesus, it’s easy to assume shared stories, common language, and a similar starting point in our spiritual journey. But here’s the reality check: the next generation has a completely different language, history, and worldview.

With their unrestricted access to the internet and information, the next generation is bombarded with diverse influences, belief systems, and worldviews. When they lack the right people to help them sift through it, they’re left with more questions than answers. The world convinces them that their ultimate aim should be to craft or create their identity or “brand” rather than discovering who they were made to be in Jesus. Many haven’t heard the stories of scripture, didn’t grow up around the church, and have had few, if any, conversations about who Jesus is and what He’s done for them.

In this digital era, where information is at their fingertips, the next generation is forging a unique narrative. This dynamic adds an extra layer of complexity when we seek to bridge the gap and share the timeless truth of Jesus.

Simply put, it’s time to change our approach. It’s not just about adapting our language; it’s about understanding their journey, acknowledging their deep desire for true identity, and meeting them along that path. As we engage with the next generation, we must not only translate our stories into a language they comprehend but we must also create a space where their doubts and questions are welcomed, their identities respected, and Jesus is shown to be the only source of true identity and purpose.

So, what about you? How do we navigate the reality that we’re all on a unique journey? We have to remember that every individual story is different. If we are to point people to Jesus, we must first truly connect with them, discern where they are on that journey, and then we can help them move forward from there. How do you approach conversations about Jesus? Share your thoughts, stories, and insights in the comments below. Let’s keep the conversation alive and build bridges that overcome language barriers, respect everyone’s unique journey, and transcend generational gaps.