A man of God was traveling by train when some young men entered the coach. Disregarding his presence, they began a loud argument, using profane and disgusting language.
The Christian protested, but without effect. On leaving the train he bade them farewell, saying, "Goodbye, for the present."
The young men asked him why he said "for the present?"
"Well," he replied, "you see, I am the prison chaplain, and no doubt we shall meet again."
What a rebuke was in this remark! Impure and profane language is the outward evidence of an impure and disgusting heart. It leads to impure and disgusting conduct. One needs only to read the items in the daily press to find abundant evidence that the filth of foul language lines the road to prison.
Whether those young men and the chaplain ever met again in the way he indicated or not, it is dead certain that they would have to face God about it. We read on the page of unerring truth that for "every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment." Matt. 12:36. And again, "Every one of us shall give account of himself to God." Rom. 14:12.
Reader, think over your past life. Consider the words you have spoken and the deeds you have committed. Still more serious are the things you ought to have done and have not done. Are you and I ready to face the great Judge of the hearts of men?
Though the user of profane or obscene language may escape prison on earth, how shall he escape the judgment of an omniscient God? When an oath escapes your lips, remember this! When an obscene jest passes your lips, remember, it is recorded! At the Great White Throne, the books of record will be opened; and every man standing there shall be judged according to his works. Friend, let me ask, Where will it end?
These are serious questions, but one other is infinitely more serious; and every soul is concerned in this. How do you stand in relation to the Lord Jesus Christ? This is so intensely serious that it is plain to the simplest heart. Friend, what think you of Christ?
Wondrous thought! The Son of God became Man. Why? To die on the cross in order to express God's love to ruined sinners to satisfy His righteous claims against sin.
"For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life." John 3:16.
Jesus, the Savior, has opened up the way through His atoning death upon the cross whereby all your sins-your oaths, your disgusting language, maybe; your disgusting deeds, perhaps—may all be forgiven. "The blood of Jesus Christ, His Son, cleanseth us from all sin." 1 John 1:7.
Can you refuse this wondrous offer? The way for all your sins to be forgiven is open. Will you add to your iniquities the worst of all sins, the dark, black ingratitude of refusing such love, in rejecting such an offer? If you do, let me ask: "What will the end be?"
"He that believeth on Him (the Lord Jesus) is not condemned; but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God." John 3:18.