| “Sound speech, that cannot be condemned; that he that is of the contrary part may be ashamed, having no evil thing to say of you” (Titus 2:8). |
| Out in the world today — at school, at work, in stores, etc. you will often hear what can be called rough language. People seem to think that in order to emphasize something, they have to use vulgar and sometimes blasphemous words. For example, you will often hear the word hell used very casually in conversation. Satan is behind this, as he wants people to think that hell is not that serious, and is not something to be concerned about. |
| At other times you will hear rather foul and immoral language, for some people cannot seem to talk without using these words. As Christians we are certainly saddened as we listen to this, and worse still, these words are now being used in books, newspapers and in news broadcasts, as if it is all right to talk that way, |
| Then we hear words that refer to God and to the Lord Jesus. I am sure you have heard people use the name of the Lord Jesus when they become upset about something. When something happens that is surprising and upsetting, you have certainly heard people say, “Oh, my God!” But I have never heard anyone use the name of Mohammed, Krishna, Buddha, or Confucius in this way. No, it is always the name of God or the Lord Jesus. |
| The danger for us as Christians is that we can become used to hearing this kind of talk, and then perhaps it does not affect us as it should. Rather, we should ask the Lord for the courage to speak up when people talk this way, and point out that when they use the name of the Lord Jesus like this, they are insulting our Savior. Also, let us be very careful not to use this kind of language ourselves. Rough, crude language in any form is not right for a Christian. |
