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Oxford Dictionary has introduced 1,200 new words into the public narrative.
Among them are "Gender Fluid," "Merica" and "Yolo."
"Gender Fluid" is raising a red flag among Christian leaders.
David Barton explains why he is concerned about the inclusion of this word.
"Gender Fluid: (a) (in early use) not clearly or wholly male or female, androgynous, (b) designating a person who does not identity with a single fixed gender, of or relating to a person having or expressing a fluid or unfixed gender identity (now the usual sense).
David Barton told One News Now, "The concept has just become a part of the way we talk, and part of the way we think. And therefore people just accept that it happens because we use the words all the time."
Barton notes that God is very careful with the way He uses words.
The Bible only allows for two genders, and this inclusion has theological implications.
He says, "In Hebrew, the word 'coincidence' does not exist---you cannot say that word in Hebrew because it never crossed God's mind that something might be accidental and not planned," he says.
He's right. The Hebrew language uses two words to explain coincidence: "combination cases."
Barton says there's something almost subliminal about the words people use. "When you start using different words and change the meaning of words, it changes the way you think and therefore changes your behavior and often leads in you in a wrong direction."
"Gender fluidity," he says, "is one of those words."
He also says, "The person who gets to define the terms usually wins the war of ideas."
The power of words cannot be overestimated.
This is why silence in the face of evil, is, itself evil.
George Orwell in his book "1984" said, "But if thought corrupts language, language can also corrupt thought."
"Merica" is a sarcastic term used to describe things that fit the American stereotype. A way to be hip while bashing America.
"YOLO" is an acronym meaning, "You only live once." This defines the notion of abandoning responsibility or accountability.
Words carry immeasurable significance.
The prayerfully and carefully chosen words of America's founding documents gave rise to the most blessed and prosperous nation in the history of the world.
Words calculated in evil can destroy this nation and culture.
Words have power.
They are the decisive factor in salvation---believing and "confessing" Jesus Christ.
The universe was created with a word; Jesus healed and cast out demons with a word; rulers have risen and fallen by their words.
Solomon, author of most of the Old Testament book of Proverbs, wrote often about the power of words.
He said, "Death and life are in the power of the tongue" (18:21).
Words have the power to give life through encouragement and honesty, or to crush and kill through lies and gossip.
"Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in thy sight O Lord, my strength and my Redeemer" (Psalm. 19:14).
Be Informed. Be Discerning. Be a Blessing. Be Blessed.