The following is a guest post from Bob Hudson, a dear member of the church I serve and someone who has been a major blessing in my life. Bob just celebrated his 98th birthday.
My text for today is Ephesians 5, verse 4: “…neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor coarse jesting, which are not fitting…”
“Watch your language. There are ladies present.” For a long time it was not unusual to hear that. It was a reminder of a principle that was almost universally respected. I even remember the Frederick Keys, our local MLB Draft League club, having in their stadium a family section with signs warning against improper speech, and that warning was observed and appreciated.
What happened? The change has been dramatic. Now, so-called “ladies” often use crude and foul language just as often as their male counterparts. Equal opportunity filth, I suppose.
The very level of the foul language has itself declined. Once upon a time there was considerable criticism of an actor’s use of the word “Damn” in a classic movie. Watch a show today on one of the popular apps and you will most likely find the characters using the f-word — not occasionally, but every few sentences.
I have some relevant experience. When I was perhaps 5 or 6 years old, an older boy asked me what were the dirtiest words I knew. Those were pretty tame. He taught me a new word that was much worse — the f-word.
The next day I told my sister my new word, and she ran to tell my mother what I had said. I soon found myself at the kitchen sink, having my mouth thoroughly washed out with soap. If today’s mothers took that same course, soap sales would reach astronomical heights.
That’s not the whole story. People today frequently use language that is far, far less acceptable than even that, often disgustingly vulgar.
What the entertainment industry provides us gradually permeates the culture. This is an obvious truth. First, we tolerate it. Then we accept it. Then we embrace it.
What should be the Christian position on this issue? Paul tells us quite clearly in his letter to the Ephesians. Let’s see what he has to say in Ephesians 5:1-7 (NKJV):
Therefore be imitators of God as dear children. And walk in love, as Christ also has loved us and given Himself for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling aroma. But fornication and all uncleanness or covetousness, let it not even be named among you, as is fitting for saints; neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor coarse jesting, which are not fitting, but rather giving of thanks. For this you know, that no fornicator, unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God. Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience. Therefore do not be partakers with them.
My opinion may not matter greatly, but Paul’s does. His was expressed under the inspiration of the One who makes the rules.
Closing prayer: “Lord, may this be the prayer of us all: ‘Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O Lord, my strength and my redeemer.’” Amen.
Check out Bob’s book The Apostle Paul: From Menace to Martyr (available here on Amazon)
Thank you for Reading!
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