Say What?

I love the bumper sticker for a construction company that says “Character Matters.” I’m ready for a new one that says, “Words Matter.” Our language today is going from bad to worse to the point we have a new air pollution epidemic.

Profanity is running rampant out there today and it’s showing no signs of letting up Today, it’s often referred to as adult language as if it’s something that we grow into. You know, you reach a certain age and its okay to drop the f-bomb because you’re now a mature adult. This topic comes to mind to me as I heard the second example in a week of female celebrities cursing on morning television as if it was no big deal. It wasn’t part of a comedy act or telling a dirty joke, but just two women speaking face to face with an interviewer and one drops the f-word and another the c-word.

As Christians, we’re called to be holy because God is holy and that includes our language. What does His word say about our words? Can we praise God on Sunday’s and give hand gestures at the driver who cuts us off on Monday’s? In the Ten Commandments it made the top three. Exodus 20:7 “You must not misuse the name of the Lord your God.” This doesn’t just include cursing, but what about expressions like “Oh my God” or “for the love of God”. If you’re not honoring him with your speech then God can’t be pleased.

Ephesians 4:29 says “Don’t use foul or abusive language. Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them.” And Colossians 3:7-8 says “You used to do these things when your life was still part of this world. But now is the time to get rid of anger, rage, malicious behavior, slander, and dirty language.”

As believers our words are to evolve, but not in the wrong direction. We’re to use our words to build people up and not tear down or make people cringe or use for shock value or to get laughs. I was at a high school football game this past season and I was shocked to hear the language I did from the stands from both the students and the parents. Do you know where the kids started speaking like this? Chances are it came from their parents or other grown-ups in their life.

For those of you reading this that are parents or maybe you have young cousins, nieces or nephews the kids are listening to our words, not just the words we tell them not to use. It’s the old caught not taught syndrome. It’s time we take back the language in this country and not just turn a blind ear to the profanity around us. If someone swears in your presence then let them know it bothers you and ask them to find better words to use.

I’m telling you this from someone who used to swear as if it was nothing. It wasn’t just when I bumped my head or I was angry. I swore using the words as verbs and adjectives, but I can also testify that I was cured instantly thru the power of the Holy Spirit after hearing a powerful message on the 3rd Commandment. My language was healed and Taylor and Shelby became great accountability for me.

I’ll leave you this final challenge that I have taken with my kids. I have always found the term “adult language” a strange term so I have told my kids that if I use a word then they can use it. The results so far have been awesome. They keep me on track and now that they’re older (15 and 13) I can do the same. Now I have slipped a little over the years, but only in small ways, but it’s especially convicting when your son or daughter correct you. It definitely leads you right into confession and repentance.

Now go and bless someone today.

Mark