Duh!

By Jarrod Spencer –

Some words and phrases are spoken in a way that makes the receiver feel insignificant or dumb. This is rude, and is especially true when a younger person is saying it to an adult, when they should instead show respect.

Over the past month, our three-year-old has learned to use the word “duh.” He thinks he is funny when he says it, and dose not realize it might be rude. However, as most parents know, when a “too-big-for-his-britches” child says something at just the right time, it can come across as funny. As hard as you try not to laugh, you are so surprised at your child’s response you cannot stifle it.

Recently, my in-laws visited and we planned to go out to lunch. At my wife’s instruction, my son asked his Papaw where we were going to eat. Papaw replied, “I don’t know, where are we going to eat?”

My son replied with one eyebrow raised up and a little deeper voice than normal, “El Dos de D’Oros. Duh!” And with a pause, as if realizing he had crossed the line, he added. “It’s up to you.” Though this would be considered a bit rude, we could not help but laugh, even though he spoke down to his Papaw, a person whom he should respect.

I wonder how often we treat our Father in heaven this way. He questions us and we respond with a direct or indirect “duh,” as if to say, “You should know this God. You’re God after all!” We fail to show the proper respect we should exhibit to the all-knowing God.

How often have you responded with “duh” to God? If you’re like me, you probably don’t even realize how often you say it. May our radars be tuned to becoming more respectful to Him.

PRAYER: Father, I am weak and mortal. I make more mistakes than I would like. I respect You and apologize when I am disrespectful to You, as if I know more than You do. Thank You for being such an awesome God!

Isaiah 55:6 – 9 Seek the LORD while he may be found; call upon him while he is near; let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts; let him return to the LORD, that he may have compassion on him, and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon. For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the LORD. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.