A Moment With Pastor Fred
I know I live a sheltered life. Susan and I recently watched a documentary – we were taken back by what my dear mother would have called “potty mouths.” Tragically such language is common today. Recently in my devotions the prophet was denouncing Israel for her sin. There is no faithfulness … only cursing, Hosea 4:2-3. That word cursing was like a neon light.
I hear “O my g-o-d” all the time – grocery store, television – even in casual conversation. Taking God’s name in vain is as violation of the 3rd commandment. The apostle forbids also what we call today cussing, Eph 4:29, Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, and again, 5:4, Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking, which are out of place.
One way people should know we are God’s children is in how we talk. We don’t talk like the world. Our speech is kind, reverent and filled with grace. I often hear folks defend themselves, “Those words don’t mean what they used to mean.” That’s capitulation to post-modernity, that words have no meaning. But words do have meaning. Even the secular media recognizes it with ratings and cautions.
Of course, Jesus reminds us, our mouths reveal our hearts. The question above all else is where is my heart? It is out of the mouth the heart speaks. So, – it’s not a potty mouth, but a potty heart. Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight O Lord, my rock and my redeemer.