I swear.....

In Matthew, Jesus tells those wishing to follow him that they must make a difference in the world.  They must be the "salt of the earth".   The salt is "the flavor" or the good works believers are to do that are to shine like a light on a lampstand and offer a witness for Christ.  If salt loses it's saltiness, it's not good for anything.  But as we all also know, too much salt can ruin that "flavor" and is unhealthy.  And we must admit....sometimes we are all a bit too "salty".  

Do you swear?  I have to admit that sometimes I do, although thankfully it is infrequent.  I try very hard not to, but I am also very human.  That might shock some of you, knowing I'm a Minister's wife.  Others who know me very well will not be shocked at all.  My children certainly aren't.  Just because I married a minister, doesn't mean I'm something other than human.  I am nowhere near perfect as anyone who knows me will attest.  I don't know why we do it, I mean, there are so many other lovely words in the English language to describe our feelings...lovely words.  And yet, we seem to revert to some basic instinct to say disgusting words that shouldn't ever grace our tongues.  Now, I will clarify that I do not take the Lord's name in vain.  That is something I cannot do.  Do I think you're going to hell if you do it?  No.  We're human, and we sin.  The reason I am even writing this is because of my frustration with every single movie I have seen lately.  They seem to know only one way of expressing themselves.  It's almost like there is only one curse word left at their disposal.  I don't know the origins of the "F" word.  I really don't care.  It is a word that is used in epidemic proportions by everyone, in every situation it seems.  Why?  Is there a rule book out there that says unless you say the "F" word at least 100 times it's not a good movie?  We're becoming desensitized to it, hearing it over and over again until we just accept it as part of every day language.  Some would say, it's just a word.  Who cares.  If you are a child of God, you should.  Everything you say on a daily basis is judged by those who are not Christians.  If you say you'll pray for them in one breath and then proudly shout an explitive the next, don't you think that sends a bit of a mixed message?  I'm not one to curse in front of other people.  It tends to sneak up on me when I've injured myself or someone really scares me.  It's frustrating because I think afterwards, why is that the word that comes to mind instinctively?  Some people swear when they're angry, others when they're depressed, and more often than not it's done to look "tough" or "cool" in front of ones friends.  I've never been perceived as tough...or cool for that matter, so I always thought cursing just for the sake of cursing wouldn't do me any good anyway.  My point is, as disciples of Christ, we have to do everything we can to be a good, decent example out there in a very dark world.  Most of the time, that's not easy.  Most of the time, that's not cool.  But try to see the bigger picture.  What if your behavior stops someone from ever even considering coming to Christ?  What if you are so like a non-believer that they see no difference and don't see any reason to even think about what Christ could do in their life?  It doesn't just apply to cursing.  You don't have to think hard to come up with other examples.  1 Corinthians 8:9 says to "be careful that your actions don't become a stumbling block to the weak".  James 3:10 says "from the same mouths come blessings and cursing.  My brothers, this ought not to be so."  It's tough.  Why do you think the psalmist said, "Set a guard, O Lord, over my mouth and keep watch over the door of my lips."  It is obviously something we have struggled with for ages.
That's my thoughts for this post.  I hope you can take something positive away from it.

Titus 2:6-8 ESV

Likewise, urge the younger men to be self-controlled. Show yourself in all respects to be a model of good works, and in your teaching show integrity, dignity, and sound speech that cannot be condemned, so that an opponent may be put to shame, having nothing evil to say about us.