Growing up in a Christian family I rarely, if ever, heard profanity. Expletives were often replaced with “doggone it” “for Pete’s Sake,” or “that honks me off”. I was taught at an early age not to use “ugly” or vulgar words.
Apparently I was a good student of what not to say growing up, because even now there are words I just cannot incorporate into conversation. A certain word that easily flows off of the tongues of my grandchildren makes me cringe. Before you think poorly of my sweet grands, it is not a horrible word. Just one for a bodily function that my family never deemed proper for a young lady or gentleman to use.
When I was young television banned the use of four letter foul words and taking the Lord’s name in vain. There was no cable and Prime Time was a lot more prim and proper. Comparing shows we watched to those on now is like comparing soda pop and hard liquor. It is astounding how low the regulations are now.
I can remember a time when men watched their words around ladies. When a “bad” word slipped out it was quickly followed by an apology. That is called respect. Men respected themselves and women.
So what exactly is the point in using cuss words? Your sentence should still hold the same meaning. You on the other hand will sound much smarter, kinder, and polished without them. My grandmother often said a person’s perceived IQ dropped with each cuss word they said. Makes sense when you think about it.
What does the Bible say about our words? In Colossians 3:8 it says “But now you must also rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips.” That sounds very straightforward. No filthy language should come from your lips.
One of the Ten Commandments, the third one, states clearly “Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain; for the Lord will not hold him guiltless that taketh His name in vain.” That is not a suggestion but a command.
So many times I read something on Facebook that I would love to share, but there is a problem. The message is great, but it contains profanity. Really?! A point would have been made without those extra words. There are some darling shirts, also, until I get down to the last line. Wham! An ugly spoils an otherwise nice message.
How about those shirts that advertise being a Christian and cuss, too? Hmmm. Why would anyone want to advertise that? I don’t think that is in scripture. What is in scripture is “Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving.” from Ephesians 5:4. Listen to what James 3:10 says “Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers and sisters, this should not be.”
Sure we all slip up. I do at times and then wince. Quickly I ask for forgiveness and try my best not to repeat it. Like everything on this planet though I am a work in progress. Aren’t you? I challenge you to eliminate these “ugly” words from your vocabulary. Teach you children and grandchildren that they do not need them either. Lead by example.
Most importantly, I urge you not to take the Lord’s name in vain. Too many people have forgotten it is a sin. Let’s work together and not just act like Christians, but let’s talk like we should, too. We can do this. Are you with me?
Abba's Prayer Warrior Princess 