Foul Language

3/21/2011

Foul Language

Raising teenagers and constantly being around an army of them, I have debated the topic of foul language on more than one occasion.

My ‘favorite’ statement in defense of cussing is “It is not in the ten commandments”.

Hmmm “Are you sure about that? Maybe you should check again.”

I then point out commandment number five and command that there will be no cussing.

This usually opens the door to some laughter and the opportunity to show what God’s word DOES say about filthy language, obscene jokes, and perverse speaking.

Keep your mouth free of perversity; keep corrupt talk far from your lips. Proverbs 4:24

To fear the LORD is to hate evil; I hate pride and arrogance, evil behavior and perverse speech. Proverbs 8:13

Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. Ephesians 4:29

Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving. Ephesians 5:4

Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers and sisters, this should not be. James 3:10

The Bible is pretty clear.

The next debate stems from what constitutes a word or a statement as being foul.

Answer a few questions about what you want to say:

1) Would you say it to Jesus?

2) Does it build someone UP?

3) Does it benefit anyone by saying it?

If you can answer no to any of the above questions, then you aren’t missing anything by not saying it. Even if you COULD justify it as being ALLOWED, wouldn’t your time be better spent speaking only things that build others up?

Spread LOVE!

We are called for a greater purpose than just being ALLOWED to say something.

So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. For the flesh desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh. They are in conflict with each other, so that you are not to do whatever you want. But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law. The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God. But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other. Galatians 5:16-26

You have a REAL battle to fight – and THIS isn’t it.

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people. Pray also for me, that whenever I speak, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it fearlessly, as I should. Ephesians 6:10-20

1 Corinthians 10:31(KJV) …whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God!

Be blessed and know that Jesus ADORES you! And so do I!