Are You Quick to Cuss or Gossip?
How do I control my tongue? This is a tough question, but here are a few suggestions.
Raised in a home where cussing was strictly prohibited, I've always been pretty careful with my mouth. I don't intentionally (key word) use profanity, at all, in any situation. I don't even use the word darn.
The craziest I've ever gotten was when I was in conversation with a buddy who was about to tear up his marriage because of some selfish behavior. I told him he was full of crap, and that's when he knew Ezra meant business.
Now, I acknowledge that sometimes harsh language is necessary. Paul used one in Philippians 3:8 that some scholars say equates to the S-word. And I also realize that by sharing I don't cuss, I leave myself wide open to Christians who think this is just 101 legalism.
I've sat in enough Christian circles where someone will say, "Now, is it OK if I cuss?" only to have everyone grin and nod as though this is some great virtue and proof they're not a bunch of prudes.
But hear me out.
Uncontrolled Language Is a Barameter
James 1:26 says, "If anyone thinks he is religious without controlling his tongue, his religion is useless and he deceives himself." That word "control" is big. It tells us the main point of watching what we say is less about the words we use and more about the intent behind these words.
A couple of personal examples.
While I don't have a lot of trouble avoiding casually injecting curse words into conversation, I have noticed that when I'm angry, stressed, or in pain, that is when I'm the most prone to cuss. Several years ago, when I struggled with severe depression, I caught myself muttering words I never would have previously.
Another challenge is gossip. Part of me likes to think I have this mastered, but the truth is that sometimes I involve others in conversations who are neither part of the solution nor the problem.
But here's something I've come to realize. When I lose control of my tongue, it tells me that something in my life is out of order. Why? Becuase words that come from our mouths are a representation of the angst we feel inside. They are like a barometer that forecasts an impending storm.
So, what should you do if you struggle with an uncontrolled tongue?
