Swearing - Part 2

“But now you must rid yourselves of all things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander and filthy language from your lips.” Col 3:8.  Such scripture leaves very little fudge factor for swearing. 
 
For many, swearing gives a strange, false comfort when spoken as it seems to give a sense of power, authority, edginess, prestige, and rite of passage, a so called separation of a boy into a tough man’s (or woman’s) world. As superficial as those perceptions can be it is more often ignorant, disrespectful, inappropriate and ugly. Whew, that observation can be debated, but words have impact for good and bad.
 
How would people describe your command and impact of words? The timing and tone are telling of your heart’s intention. Do your kids cower from your words of disappointment and frustration? Are you able to express yourself after careful consideration of your words’ probable and lasting impact? Do others view you as an example of true word craftsmanship, a model of words giving life sustaining encouragement and a person of integrity?
 
James chapter three captures the power of the tongue both in its design and its capacity of destruction. The chapter concludes with the key to bridling your tongue - the key to RIGHT TALK is RIGHT TALK. Proverbs is packed with wisdom for our thoughts and our tongues… dig into its treasure chest. Embrace Philippians 4:8,9.
 
So mom, dad: today choose to speak from a clean heart and a clean mind. Find the right words to use.    Know that each child’s temperament has differing needs. Consider the gift of orchestrating the best imagery and picture painting words for each individual. Sure this is hard work. You’ll have to be intentional. No excuses of “that’s just the way I am” or “you can’t teach an old dog a new trick”. That’s not taking responsibility.
 
Elevate your family’s linguistics by taking the lead of speaking and living with words that build rather than destroy. You can through Christ. Be in the Word. Stay in the Word,  and the Word will stay in you – it’s true. I’m taking the challenge right alongside you, you’re not alone.
 

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Camper Corner
Do you think cussing is funny? Do you think it is a form of bullying? Does it motivate you? Does it lift you up or put you down?   The Psalmist was no weakling when he chose to say “let the words of my mouth and the meditations of my heart be pleasing to you (God),” Psalm 19:14. Not only will your reputation be defined by your word choice, but your character will be tested by your habits and hang ups. Make a difference by speaking with respect even when you’re angry, frustrated, excited, scared, surprised… etc… etc… etc… You’ll never regret it!