DOES OUR SPEECH MATTER? Second Thoughts

Let no evil talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for edifying as fits the occasion, that it may impact grace to those who hear (Ephesians 4:29).

Another reason I believe the Bible is inspired by God is the ubiquitous use of profanity--almost everyone uses it.  The sacred and serious words and themes of the Bible are emptied of their meaning by common use.  God is the last one on a person's mind when he uses, "Oh my god!" or "Jesus Christ!" as swear words.  Hell and damnation are serious truths that are emptied of their importance by thoughtless use.  This is spiritual warfare.  It is satan's attempt to attack the truths of God's word and diminish it credibility through profane use.  Why is it that no one says, "Oh Buda!" or "Oh Mohammed," as swear words?

In an effort to be relevant and fit in with contemporary culture there is a trend among Christian workers to use "street talk."  There is some precedent for this as the New Testament was written in koine Greek, not classical Greek.  Sometimes in counseling, as one is actively listening, one needs to repeat the words that a client uses to demonstrate understanding.  Nevertheless, one has to consider whether or not his speech is going to lift up the culture or weigh it down.  I believe it is a mistake, if not a sin, to use "dirty" talk in an attempt to fit it.  Indeed, one of the qualities of pure religion is to keep one's self  "unstained" from the world (James 1:27).  When the occasion is such that these kinds of words need to be used for a definite purpose, so be it.  However, if they are the mark of everyday speech, as a Christian, it is time to clean up our act.

Can obsenity be profanity?  Many of the words and expressions used in everyday conversation are sexual in origin, so much so that little thought is given the origin of these words.  One could make a fairly long list of these words.  Though sex is a common animal act, for human beings God has given sex a special significance; God does not intend for human beings to engage in sex casually and without commitment.  Sex is holy.  Using the "f" word reduces what God has intended to be holy into a barn-yard act. Isn't that profanity?

Christians must not be careless as we speak.  Our words are a window to our soul and our words will lift the culture up or they will weigh it down.  What are your words doing?

Grace&Peace;
Tom