The Yeah Buts.
You know what I’m talking about.
Especially if you are a parent or a teacher, you know. “Johnny, did you take Sally’s toy?” and the response usually starts with “yeah, but…” or “kids! stop fighting” and the response “yeah, but she/he started it.” Or “clean your room” – “But, Mom!!” We’ve all heard it. We all also know how annoying it is. Which is why as a mom/teacher/nanny etc. the response is usually. “NO BUTS.” Right? No arguing back. Because we are the adult and we know best.
A few months back I caught myself with a bad case of the “Yeah, buts.” Not with my mom, (I’m a grown woman). Or any kids I watch (I don’t have my own). But me. I was saying the yeah buts. I was reading Ephesians 3:20
“Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.” Ephesians 3:20
And my knee jerk reaction was disbelief. Like yeah I know God can do a lot, but all that I ask or imagine? That seems like a lot. I thought of some major requests that seemed way out of reach. I hadn’t even bothered asking. Then, I thought of how the Bible tells us nothing is impossible with God. (Luke 1:37) I also remembered how many times in the Bible it tells us that God’s word is truth.
If I know that God’s word isn’t a lie, then it has to be 100% truth. I can’t just accept part of the word as truth and not the whole thing if I believe what the Bible says. Which is what we’re doing when we say “yeah, but…” right? You’re accepting part of it (yeah) and then immediately in the same sentence questioning and pushing back (but).
I want to challenge you. If you are someone who is a firm believer of God’s word, you know that God’s word is true. Take the yeah buts out of your vocabulary in the context of God’s word. Accept his whole truth into your life. If you need some convincing, here are some verses I found helpful in reaffirming that God’s word is true. And there are a dozen others like it.
“Your words all add up to the sum total: Truth. Your righteous decisions are eternal.” Psalm 119:160
“You have already heard the true message of the gospel.” Colossians 1:5
“Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth.” John 17:1
Now, can the yeah buts be useful in conversation? Yes! I think it can even be helpful if you are working through something with some one to say “yes I can see that way but also here’s another way to think of things.” Or whatever the case may be. For the purpose of this post, just apply this in the context of your relationship with trusting God’s word.
When we accept his truth, that in itself is a gift. We also are told that when we do believe his word we are truly disciples of Jesus (John 8:31), it will save our souls (James 1:21), it abides in us (John 15:7), builds us up (Acts 20:32), gives you strength (1 John 2:14). I mean COME ON. The list goes on and on. I can’t even count the number of times God’s word has helped me – with a multitude of different problems.
Like I mentioned earlier, when we are the authority figure in the situation telling the child a command or helping them lead their life, it is because we feel we know best and want the best for them. It’s the same with God leading us.
God is on our side. He’s giving us the whole truth, through his word, for our best. No buts.
Ephesians 3:20…one of my favorites!! It is actually posted in my kitchen! Thank you so much for the reminder…no buts!!! Love this and you!!
Yes no buts! Love ya ?
WOW the truth of this reminder hit me square between the eyes today! How often do i half-trust, half-believe, and as a result, half-obey God because of my “yeah buts?!” I love your point about the prayers we miss, the requests we leave on the table because we “yeah but” before we “yes Lord.”
It makes me think, too, of a story early in Jesus’ ministry when he is in his hometown. When the people there did not believe and accept him, Matthew says, “He did not do many miracles there because of their lack of faith.” You would think that the less faith, the more miracles to make us believe, right? Not so! It makes me wonder how many times I have missed out on God’s purposes, His plans, His miracles because I am stuck in my “yeah but” lack of faith.
Psalm 33:4 “For the word of the LORD is right and true; he is faithful in all he does.”
Thank you for this today! So powerful.
So very true Keeley! Thank you for reminding us that Gods promises are true and he always wants what is best for his children ❤️