September 29, 2007
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Personal Blog Poll….
Is the Use of profanity a good thing for Believers? Don’t answer with what you think I want to read but with what you believe. I have been doing some research on this subject and to be honest…it has been disappointing.
The following site is pretty much my sentiments – http://erlc.com/article/christians-and-profanity-what-does-the-bible-say Don’t be afraid…it isn’t legalistic as you might think and it isn’t toooo long!
“May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable to You, LORD, my rock and my Redeemer” (Psalm 19:14).
Comments (4)
Well, I believe that the use of profanity is actually putting us in the position of “of the world” rather than just “in the world.” And it seems to me that using profanity actually would turn people away from Christianity, at least true Christianity. But questions on the borders of “of the world” and “in the world” are often tough questions. Where is the balance? I have a strong conviction, though I can’t give you much scripture to back it up. I believe we should avoid profanity like fruitcake.
(Actually, I like fruitcake. So avoid it like sauerkraut.)
If my words and thoughts are to bring honor and glory to God, I am responsible to watch what comes out of my mouth……..and know I am guilty of what has come out of my mouth one too many times!!!
Yes that is a very interesting article … and i agree totally about what is said there. The only question I have is … can you define exactly what swearing is?
I grew up, unfortunately, in a household that swears. I am the only christian in my entire family as a whole that i know of. My parents certainly are not what we would call christians. Needless to say, i used to have a very ‘colourful’ pattern of speech when i so wanted to. There are times when i am tired that a word will slip out for which i repent straight away … but as a whole i do well in HIs strength.
You see to me to tell someone to shut up is swearing … though to others it is not. To take what we are talking about to its outer limits, to say “OH MAN!” is actually blashemous. To say “Oh rats!” could be seen in the same light because we are using that which the Lord has created to express anger and confussion, therefore speaking against His creation.
There are words that we know are wrong … though, the body function that they discribe is exactly the same as another word that is deemed not so bad. To be honest, the meaning behind that particular word is nowhere near as bad as the meanings behind other words that are used that are known as once again … borderline.
I went to a catholic all girls school from grade 5 onwards … I was told there that Jees and Gosh were a play on word and blasphamous therefore a sin. That saying golly gee wiz was actually saying Holy Je..sus and was also a sin. I often wondered who exactly could keep the rules.
I guess that it does come down to a large part as to what we are convicted against … to follow the leading of the Holy Spirit. He will guide us in the way will should go.
Thankyou for posting this dear … it really got me thinking.
Your aussie sis in Christ,
Narelle
*smiles* … yes I know that you were not trying to be legalistic dear. You posted to get us thinking … I was just sharing some of my thoughts with you from over the years.
The question is … how do we deal with it. How do we as christians deal with profanity and how can we change attitudes towards it. I work with children from a very young age all the way up to 18years and then of course with their teachers … its a christian school, which can usually mean not a thing in some places, but we are very blessed to have a school who rely and love and serve our Redeemer Kinsman. Usually, what i find is that when a child of group of kids decided to start trying out certain words, it doesnt last too long that they use them in the school, because the other students tell them in no uncertain terms how stupid they sound and to grow up and get a dictionary. We hear so often how peer group pressure is a bad thing … but we forget at times just what a useful tool it is!
It is my thought that maybe we need christians to once again connect and reteach the whole … ‘s’posed to be like God kiddies, not like the world … remember?’ thing once more. Yes there are places that we cant go into where we act holier than thou … NOwhere, to be honest would be the best place to practice that … because we sometimes lose what Jesus spoke and taught by action … that is … balance. He did not act like those he ministered to, but inspired them to rise above to HIS place.
Dear Lord … may I be more like Jesus. Accepting the sinner where they are at, and inspiring them to take the first step along their journey to peace and eternal life.
God bless you hon … I hope your day is beautifous!
Your aussie sis in Christ,
Narelle