Cussing

My niece had another interesting post on Facebook:

“Cussing in a Mormon house = NO-NO.”

In my opinion, cussing should be a NO-NO is every house. Why be coarse and profane when you can say the same thing in a much more intelligent manner? Nobody remembers the sludge flowing from the cesspool, but everyone notices the silver thimble floating atop all that sewage!

That was essentially what I posted in response, but then I got to thinking about it. Obviously, she was visiting a Mormon household, and cussed, swore, or otherwise uttered some profanity… and was then told such behavior was unacceptable in their household. While most Christians don’t agree with Mormon doctrine and teaching, you have to admire their integrity in standing up for the values they believe in.

Why do so many Christians allow profanity, cursing, and vulgarities to come out of their mouths? Why do they allow it in their homes? Why do they tolerate it from their children? Why? The Bible tells us not to swear oaths and not to take the Lord’s name in vain… yet, the world around us does just that. If we are honest with ourselves, so do most ALL of us!

Oh, we tell ourselves that it doesn’t mean anything, but deep down, we know… that’s a lie. We claim a freedom of speech, or expression… again, another lie. When we use profanity against another person, it paints them as vile, profane, and less than human. The sad thing is that those same words reflect back on us in exactly the same way. Jesus teaches us to edify and encourage one another… exactly the opposite of what much of the world believes.

I’ve heard from so many people: “It doesn’t mean anything. It’s just the way I am.” Well, it does mean a lot, and you DON’T have to be like that… you can change! I can’t make you change. Changing yourself is difficult; for many impossible. But in Jesus, there is power to do all things.

“But,” you protest, “I don’t cuss, swear, or take the Lord’s name in vain. Well, I try not to, either, but that doesn’t mean that I’m completely without sin. Cussing may actually be the least of your problems. Come on Sunday to experience a fellowship alive in the Spirit of Christ. Come see how life changing a walk with Jesus can be… one step at a time.

Your brother in Christ,

Dave