A new word or at least a new slant on the meaning of an old word when it is used in the context of US Slang, Woke, the simple definition as in Webster’s means to be aware. To know what is going on around you…people, places and things. The first use of the word as an adjective was in 1972. Here is a recent up-grade to that word from Webster’s dictionary.
chiefly US slang
: aware of and actively attentive to important facts and issues (especially issues of racial and social justice)
So a simple meaning would be, being aware. But let’s not stop there.
The Urban Dictionary, which published its original definition two years prior to the official dictionary, defines it as “being woke means being aware… knowing what’s going on in the community (related to racism and social injustice)”. In other words, it means to be awake to sensitive social issues, such as racism.Jan 21, 2021
Being Woke calls fore people to be Aware of Social justice and Racism. I am disturbed not by what is written here but more disturbed by what is not included in this latest social and cultural interest and lifting up the state of being Woke is the fact that being Woke to God’s word and will is a necessary component. As I wrote earlier…the simple Webster’s meaning is to be Aware.
In this day and time words and things can be hijacked to meet a need or serve an agenda. In 1984 another term popped up and joined those buzz words which are used to get our attention. Spin Doctor, the definition of which is….: a person (such as a political aide) responsible for ensuring that others interpret an event from a particular point of view. I believe that interpreting an event from a particular point of view is now fashionable in this agenda, social justice, culture-driven world we live in. The Woke and Canceled led society of the day is woefully misguided. Dealing with the cancel culture at this writing is best left for another time. It is in itself a whole other blog. So join me for a few as we look to the state of Christian Woke.
From a Christian Perspective
Remember the saying God’s got this, well He has and for a long time. In the birth, ministry, crucifixion and the resurrection of Jesus Christ…those of the faith have been Woke for a long time. Here are some thoughts from gotquestions.org
-as Christians we must be aware that racism in the USA has brought shame upon our nation and at certain times in our history has resulted in terrible violence.
-we must be aware that the very principles of civil rights, respect for others and equal justice cannot ensure these very things. No law can change what’s in our hearts. As Christians we know that change, an awareness of Christ and God’s will in our life can and will change what’s in a person’s heart. Real Justice can happen only when we are justified in Christ. “You shall love your neighbor as yourself” in the way taught by Christ (Mark 12:31).
–awareness that reconciliation in the church, our lives and others occurs when we put Christ first, the love of God and our duties to the faith. When that happens we set aside racial categories and ethnicity and see others through God’s eyes.We are all children of God, part of the family of God… “There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free man, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus” (Galatians 3:28).
2 Corinthians 4: 4
4 In their case the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelievers, to keep them from seeing the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.
–Real change and real answers to the problems of racism, injustice, other societal evils are found in God’s Word and in the peace He gives. (This is a direct quote from the article in gotquestions.org)
The faith and the gospel of Jesus Christ have been woke for well over 2000 years, more accurately since God the Creator said… “let there be light”. Perhaps we of the faith have been napping and have forgotten the need to be Woke, or as I prefer The Christian Perspective….AWARE of our Lord’s commands.
13 Be watchful, stand firm in your faith, be courageous, be strong. 14 Let all that you do be done in love.
Simple enough…To be Woke you must be Aware. The solutions needed will not be found in the streets or the destruction of other people or things. Be Aware of God and his will, the answers lie there.
Life is Good
jk
From The Pew 