Fingers Crossed

“Have nothing to do with godless myths and old wives’ tales; rather, train yourself to be godly.” (I Timothy 4:7 NIV)

Perhaps it’s merely a coincidence, or maybe there is actually a new trend developing. In just over a week, in conversations with several students talking about their future plans, I heard them say, “fingers crossed” to explain their hope for what they wanted would work out. Each time I responded, “That won’t do any good,” to which I received quizzical looks. 

I am sure they thought me picky, and perhaps even judgmental, to make an issue of it. As one said, it’s a common cultural expression, similar to “good luck.” But I try to be mindful of not using that expression, either.  But I admit I have sometimes used it because its use is so pervasive.  You hear it so often that it becomes a part of your own lexicon. 

So I didn’t judge these students, but did want them to think about their choice of expressions. Although crossing fingers seems to have its roots in Christian history, in modern times, it is a superstition that implies this action can help us obtain what we want, and obviously excludes the Lord as the ultimate resource to whom we can go for help.

Again, this may seem picky, but Paul’s instructions to Timothy are clear that we are to avoid any connection with “godless myths and old wives’ tails.” And there is a reason: The prevailing culture, then and now, tends to accept these things as realities, or at the very least, equal in validity to trusting in God. I just recently read there is an uptick in young people who are turning to astrology. Shall we then, in order to be relatable, refer to ourselves as a Taurus or a Libra?

As followers of Jesus, we are to be set apart in the way in which we think and live. We are to be different and it should be obvious to those with whom we interact, but that becomes difficult when we adopt the customs and language of the culture around us in a way that draws attention away or obscures our faith in the Lord. How different it sounds when we replace “fingers crossed” with “I’m praying for the Lord’s will and trusting Him, or “good luck” with “I’ll pray it goes well for you” or merely to say “Blessings.” 

There has long been “cultural creep” in the Church, and this is precisely why Paul instructs Timothy in the way he does. It diminishes its impact on the society around it and to be a change agent for godliness and righteousness. If believers become increasingly similar to the unbelievers around them, what is the point? 

I admit that “fingers crossed” may seem to be a small thing, but I am reminded the Lord does not cede His Glory to anyone or anything (Isaiah 42:8) regardless of how small or large. 

Today, examine in what ways the cultural norms have affected your life. If there are norms that are godless or based in ignorance, then it’s time to rid yourself of them and exchange them with those that are godly. Your purpose is to bring attention to God’s glory, not diminish it.

© Jim Musser 2018