"Waffling"

 

“Waffling”

 

While I was working on the previous article “Waffles” (please read it before this one) I began thinking of waffling, a word that’s been around for several centuries but seems to have gained a new lease on life in recent years, especially in the political realm. There is a connection between the breakfast treat and the term under consideration here (see below) so let’s examine its history and its usage in our contemporary world.

Several possibilities as to the origin of “waffling” have been suggested but two seem to stand out. Some maintain it refers to a British term for a long trivial talk. The most common opinion, however, links it to a centuries old Scottish word “waff”, meaning to fluctuate. It was used for spreading batter in an irregular pattern (thus the culinary connection) and eventually came to mean indecision or changing one’s mind, likely its most frequent usage today. We may hear it applied derisively to a candidate for public office who changes his or her opinion on issues based on polling data or the make-up of an audience he or she is trying to garner votes from. I once heard a conference speaker tell of a conversation with a Christian who claimed to be “aggressively neutral” when it came to discussions of matters of faith. Sounds like an oxymoron and classic illustration of waffling to me, especially in light of Jesus’ words: “(The one) who is not with me is against me….” (Luke 11:23).

During a time of great ungodliness in Israel God’s prophet Elijah called the nation out in these words: “How long will you waver between two opinions? If the Lord is God, follow him; but if Baal is God, follow him.” (1 Kings 18:21). The next phrase is significant: “But the people said nothing.” In other words, they waffled. It took fire from God to end the waffling but it soon returned with a vengeance and continued throughout Israel’s history. About 900 years later Jesus said, “No one can serve two masters.” (Matthew 6:24). Put another way, “Waffling doesn’t work!” So am I ready to (quoting from George Duffield’s great 1858 hymn) “Stand up, stand up for Jesus, Stand in His strength alone….” and not fall into the waffling trap? Are you?

 

Grace and Blessings!

Jim McMillan