3 Ways To Change Your Words Today

February 22, 2016 2 Comments

My husband and I had gone to the gym to work out.  Upstairs at our gym, there is a women’s and men’s restroom which are located very close to each other.  Opening both doors at the same time can be a little hairy.  As Carl came out of the men’s restroom, a lady was coming out of the women’s restroom at the same time.  The near collision startled her, and she exclaimed, “Oh, Jesus!”

No, my husband is not Jesus, but it emphasized to me how flippantly some use the name of the Lord.  I even know some Christians who say “Jesus” as an expletive rather than a person to be revered, respected, or highly regarded.

Another one which gets me is OMG.  My kids are not allowed to text or say OMG.  They know they will get in trouble from me if I hear them say, “Oh, my God.”  The allowed forms are “Oh my goodness” or “Oh my gosh” or “Oh my”.  Lauren, my littlest one, used to say “OMGOSH”.  Too funny!



DON’T TAKE THE LORD’S NAME IN VAIN

Why is it even important?  First of all, it is one of the ten commandments to not take the Lord’s name in vain.  Exodus 20:7 (ESV) says, “You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain, for the Lord will not hold him guiltless who takes his name in vain.”  Those are strong words.

I know as Christians it is easy to slip up here and there, but we are called to be holy as God is holy (Leviticus 20:26).  We should not be flippant about using the name of the Lord in vain or allowing our kids to use it either in a manner that is disrespectful to God.

DON’T CURSE

Even cursing in the home of a Christian should not be done.  I remember when my son came home years ago after learning his first curse word at the lunch table at school.  We talked about it when he came home, and I asked him if he had ever heard Mom or Dad use that word.  He could honestly say no, because we had not.  It was further proof that that type of language is not necessary. 

Churches are filled with true Christians who worship Christ on Sunday only to proceed to curse at work during their work week or curse at the referee during their favorite sporting event.  James 3:10 (ESV) says, “From the same mouth come blessing and cursing.  My brothers, these things ought not to be so.”

DON’T JOKE IN A CRUDE WAY

Crude joking or talking in a crude way is also off limits as well.  Ephesians 5:4 (ESV) says, “Let their be no filthiness or foolish talk nor crude joking, but instead let their be thanksgiving.”  

It is easy to share a funny joke on Facebook or join a friend in inappropriate talk during a chat over coffee, but we are called to be holy.  We are called to use language which edifies the person listening to our words.

Words have power, don’t they?  God spoke the world into existence by using His words.  We can tear someone down or build someone up with our words.  We can teach our children the right way to communicate or the wrong way.  We can honor God with our mouth, or we can dishonor Him.  The choice is ours, and we must choose wisely.

“These honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me.” Matthew 15:8, NIV

2 thoughts on “3 Ways To Change Your Words Today”

  2. I agree, Madison. I say things like "that was heavenly" or "holy cow". Is a cow really holy? Those things really are probably not great either! 😛

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