Christian in the 21st Century: Tongue of a Serpent is Poisonous.

One of my biggest pet peeve is foul language. It's something that I have no tolerance for. It was something that I think my mother drilled into me as a kid in Hong Kong that even today, I cannot stand people that swears or use any inappropriate words as much as they use  "the or "a" in a sentence. First of all, using such words or language can be offensive and demeaning to someone. Second, what good is it to say something if it does not edify others or be constructive to the conversation.

"Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. " ~Ephesians 4:29

Such vocabularies are often associated with bad or negative connotations that only end up hurting people's feelings, making fun of people or things. Also, such words can also act as poison, as verbal words can sometimes sting more than a punch to the arm. I know from experience. Words hurt. It is because of the tongue of a serpent and his sharp and potent words that led to the fall of mankind. It is ever since then that mankind learned to use words in a sinful way. To lie, to curse, to make crude jokes.

Jesus says in Matthew 15:11, "What goes into a man's mouth does not make him 'unclean,' but what comes out of his mouth, that is what makes him 'unclean.'"

Language can be so filthy, what comes from the tongue is unclean, and further reflects the person's heart.

"Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving." ~Ephesians 5:4

Every word that comes out of our mouths should edify and glorify our God. Obscene and unwholesome words do not accomplish this. I remember a Sunday School lesson back in grade 5 and my teacher had rebuked us on using the term holy so casually. I still hear him in my head saying that Cows are not holy. People laughed, but God's name and character should not be taken in vain.

But the biggest problem for teens today is that these words are all around us: in pop culture, TV shows, movies, songs, advertisements. It is almost impossible to shut your ears and eyes to these disgusting words.

 Lately, I feel like I may be succumbing to the norm of society. I catch myself saying or using words such as, "shoot", "darn", or "heck". At first, after using the word, I flinch a bit and it guilts me to have allowed it out of my mouth. Now, I know what you may be thinking...yo these are not swear words, nor are they offensive!

Yes, but they are not polite either, nor does it edify others or bring glory to Him, and I feel like as time passes, I am getting comfortable and do not feel bad about using such words. Hearing such words use to cause a chill down my spine. I am still exercising caution though on more obscene language that requires the use of &*%$#@ characters. However, I fear that if I am not careful, my tongue will cause damage one day. It is something that I am being more vigilant about these days.

As Christians in the 21st century, we are surrounded and often peer pressured to use words, jokes and slangs that are vile and dirty, and definitely not acceptable to the ears of God. Such words can only edify the devil, not Jesus Christ.

"Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer."  Psalm 19:14

Taming the tongue is hard, but it is vital that our lips are kept righteous!