We’ve talked about this before, but I think it bears repeating. Christians must not use the same words as those who do not follow Christ. +F$^dt and J*)! and A@&SV# do not belong in a Christian’s vocabulary, and should not be on a Christian’s tongue.
It’s Not Just Me
The language of the public arena is worse, much worse, than it was at the turn of the century. It is not that there are new words or different words, but rather, the proclivity of the use of those words. You are just as likely to hear a string of profanity sitting in McDonald’s watching your children in the play area as you are to hear them at a Vikings’ game or at the local VFW.
Words that previously were the domain of sailors are now common chatter among grandmothers, younger women, and young girls. Women have become the equal of men in their ability to fill the air with colorful language, yet without shame.
Pollution
Like contaminated ground water, foul language has seeped into the church and its families. As Western Culture declines, previously held values are a thing of the past. Words that got a dab of Dawn detergent on a little boy’s tongue are now the words of popular music and nearly every media outlet. Words that in times past were only used in the mechanic’s garage are now common in corner offices.
If the pollution stayed in those locales that would be one thing, but the proclivity of foul language in the Christian family and in individual Christians is more than concerning. While I cannot point to a research study to back up my claim, my opinion is Christians are using words previously restricted from Christian vocabulary at a much higher rate. Christians do not talk like those without Christ, like those without the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. But that’s what is happening. “That’s just how I talk,” is justification for too many who claim to have had their hearts of stone changed to hearts of flesh.
Language Reveals the Heart
Some argue that individual words do not matter. They matter only because of the value and meaning society ascribes to them. What matters, some say, is what’s in your heart, and if one doesn’t mean to dishonor the Lord when using certain words, then the words they use should not be judged. Ok, I’ll concede the point, and consider your argument. Let’s talk about the attitude of the heart when cuss words leave a mouth.
Regularly and nearly to the point of universally, the use of swear words or curse words or four-letter words comes from a wicked heart. Think about it.
A young man yells out T)yFF# because he is angry, a heart issue.
A woman calls another woman a {L<>/H because the other woman will not be controlled by the first woman, a heart issue.
A young man tells an otherwise dull story by using colorful words throughout his tale, calling great attention to himself in his prideful craving, a heart issue.
A man frustrated by the actions of a son or daughter or the project that isn’t going as planned bursts out his go-to word that let’s everyone around him know life isn’t going like he wants it to go and that he deserves other than what he’s presently experiencing, a heart issue.
So, sure, the issue is not merely what comes out of your mouth but what’s going on in the heart, and the reality is that what is going on in the heart is not good.
Those without Christ may not be able to restrain and may not want to restrain what comes out of their mouths. It’s in their nature. They talk like they talk because they are what they are. But we are Christians, and the words that come out of our mouths must not be the words of those without Christ. I cringe when I hear a professing Christian use language that gives no indication of a changed heart. Such language does not please our Lord.
So, we pray as did the Psalmist, “Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O LORD, my rock and my redeemer” (Psalm 19:14).
May the Lord grant us grace to have mouths that speak only words the come from hearts changed by grace.
As always, thanks for reading, and I welcome your feedback and any suggestions you might have for an upcoming Lunchtime Musing.