Me and My Dirty Mouth
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Anyone who prefaces a theological question by admitting she's flawed is my kind of woman! Plus, I can identify with having an unruly tongue. Whenever I bump my toe into a table or graze my bumper on the garage doorframe, the first word that comes to mind typically isn't hallelujah!
What Does God Say About This?
Regardless of stubbed toes or bent fenders, we bumbling believers must temper our language. The Bible is quite vocal on the subject, as evidenced in these key verses: "The tongue has the power of life and death" (Proverbs 18:21, NIV); "Those who are careful about what they say keep themselves out of trouble" (Proverbs 21:23, NCV); "On the day of judgment people will give account for every careless word they speak, for by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned" (Matthew 12:36-37, ESV); "Watch the way you talk. Let nothing foul or dirty come out of your mouth. Say only what helps, each word a gift" (Ephesians 4:29, The Message); "If anyone thinks he is religious and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his heart, this person's religion is worthless" (James 1:26, ESV).
These sober warnings emphasize the importance of being attentive to and intentional about every single syllable flying out of our mouths. Our speech should reflect the spiritual maturity of a growing relationship with God. As his image bearers, we must delete all words—not just swear words—that don't glorify God or benefit others.
Following the divine directive not to take God's name in vain, however, means more than just not coupling God's name with a bad word or blurting, "Oh, God!" in surprise. The original intent of the third commandment, "You shall not take the name of the LORD your God in vain" (Exodus 20:7, ESV), was to forbid the Israelites from attaching God's name to purposes that weren't his, explains pastor and author Andy Stanley. We do so when we use language like "God told me" to legitimize selfish motives. Or we employ phraseology like "so help me God" to mask a lie, abusing Jehovah's perfect character as collateral for deceit.
Misuse of God's name isn't merely an accidental, irreverent slip of the tongue, but a deliberate thumb of the nose at the Creator of the universe.
How Does This Affect Me?
In my communication habits, I try to practice some advice I gave when I taught a high-school girls' Bible study. My favorite prodigal student kept confessing physical slip-ups with her boyfriend. She yearned for a pure relationship but had a difficult time being good with the lights low and romantic music on. When neither memory verses nor accountability phone calls curbed her libido, I encouraged her to imagine Jesus literally standing in her make-out room.
She called me the next morning and said happily, "It worked!" When her boyfriend had begun easing her back on the couch, she'd looked over his shoulder and pictured the Messiah. The effect had been so vivid that she'd exclaimed, "I see Jesus!" Her boyfriend's ardor had cooled immediately, and he'd scurried home without even a good-night kiss.
Originally published in: Today's Christian Woman, 2008, November/December, Vol. 30, Issue 6, Page 22
Related Topics:
Anger, Communication, discipline, Obedience, Swearing
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Deb
A timely article. Just a few days ago the Holy Spirit really impressed to me that I was getting lazy about my language, and I am making a concerted effort to clean up my act. For me, I think I let the pendulum swing too far in the wrong direction. I used to be constantly tied in knots, worrying that I was saying something that might be considered "swearing" or offensive, and I was terribly judgmental even of non-believers who used bad language. I wanted to loosen up on the judging thing because it was so off-putting to people I really wanted to share God's love with, but perhaps I went too far myself. I never use some of what I consider to be "taking the Lord's name" phrases, but there are a few choice words I started using more frequently. But when I am convicted personally by the Holy Spirit, it's time to pay attention and be more deliberate in my choice of language.
Barbara
Yes,this year 2009 is going to be the total makeover for me. I too struggle in this area. I will increase my prayer life, asking for God's strenght. A word of encouragement, we as christians have to keep in mind, that we must watch our body language,tone and how we deliver our every word as well as our actions. Pro. 23:7 "For as a man thinketh in his heart so is he."
Michael Dowse
Every time I get in trouble it is usually due to something I have said. And other people are happy to repeat what I have said to their own advantage. My mouth is the nuclear option to my own despair.
Edith Burns
I do try to curb my tongue of the more "common" swear, , stickeng mostly to "Oh, Bother", much to the delight of other staffers around me. but when push comes to shove, I do know the words... I also use them when I write (I'm a scriptwriter) when the scene calls for it. I've managed to get rid of the most foul-mouth on my staff, and one of my officemates is a practicing Muslim so he doesn't swear either. As for the young lady trying ot avoid temptation when the lights are low and she is alone with her boyfriend...um - turn ON the lights, don't be alone with him...
Mark
Have you noticed how much shows like ICarly and Drake and Josh use the Lord's name in vain? i.e. "O my God!!" The kids are desensitized and it grates on my nerves, as well!
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