How many of you, after reading today's title, took brief account and
were finally relieved that I picked a topic to discuss that you don't
have a problem with? :-) Wait just a minute - that depends on what you
believe to be "foul" language! You see, what you believe is reflected
in what you say…
Col. 4:6
Let your speech be alway with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know
how ye ought to answer every man.
Be honest now - is your speech ALWAY with grace?? Are your words seasoned
with salt? Do you really speak appropriately with every man and/or woman?
Certainly we should be wise in our contacts with non-Christians, making
the most of our chances to tell them the Good News of salvation, amen?
When we tell others about Christ, it is important always to be gracious
in what we say. We lose our effectiveness if we are not courteous in our
speech. Just as we like to be respected, we must respect others if we
want them to listen to what we have to say. "Seasoned with salt" means
that what we say should be "tasty" and encourage further dialogue. Our
words should not be dull or tasteless, but lively and flavorful, spiced
with skill and understanding. Salt stimulates thirst and Jesus is the
living water that quenches thirst! That's the progression our conversations
should take. The Bible says we are to know how to govern our communications
with every person. There is no place for talk that is reflective of an
unredeemed mouth! Questionable remarks should be strongly avoided. Are
you making the best of the opportunities you have with lost people, dear
lady? Are you a good steward of all your occasions for conversation? What
shape has your speech been taking as of late?
Ephes. 5:4
Neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor jesting, which are not convenient:
but rather giving of thanks.
The word "foul" is defined as: covered with matter that is injurious,
noxious or offensive; filthy; dirty; full of impurity; not favorable or
safe; not clean. In summary, it is anything opposed to purity. Ladies,
foul language of any magnitude does not honor God! Obscenity and coarse
joking are so common these days that we begin to take them for granted
and think them normal. Perhaps you might not think your speech falls under
the category of foul. Let me ask you this question... Would you be willing
to drink a glass of water that was "sort of" clean?? I doubt it! Neither
should you be willing to utter words of tainted quality. Paul cautions
us that improper language should have no place in the Christian's dialogue
because it does not reflect God's gracious presence in us. I agree! How
can we praise God and remind others of His goodness when we are speaking
inappropriately one with another?
1 Tim. 4:16
Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in
doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee.
Consider the victims of your tongue today because your manner of speech
influences others! Don't leave your tongue unexamined - your words are
nails that fix ideas in people's minds... During the time of the verse
above, Timothy was a young pastor. It would have been easy for older Christians
to look down on him because of his youth. Yet he had to earn the respect
of his elders by setting an example in his speech, life, love, faith,
and purity. Shameful conduct of all types has destroyed many of God's
servants. Two indications of a person's character are what makes him laugh
and what makes him weep. You say you are a Christian - does your life
keep up with your profession?? Paul exhorted Timothy to take heed to himself
first, thereby protecting others from the same plight. Who stands to suffer
at the expense of your unguarded chit-chat?
Col. 3:8
But now ye also put off all these; anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy
communication out of your mouth.
Regardless of your age, dear lady, God can use you! However, you must
rid yourself of shameful behavior and shameful communications. The best
words are in the hands of those who know how to combine them for good.
Mark Twain put it perfectly; he said, "The difference between the right
word and the almost right word is the difference between lightning and
the lightning bug." When conduct and conversation are working together
in your life, it makes for a powerful witness. Live so others can see
and hear Christ in you!
If you your lips would keep from slips,
Five things observe with care;
Of whom you speak, to whom you speak,
And how and when and where.
1 Peter 3:15a
But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give
an answer to every man…
God Bless,
Pam
Isaiah 60:1&2
Copyright 2001 Pamela A. Iannello
Revised 2003
