Intelligent Speech!

It distresses me when watching a movie and one or more of the characters seems to not be able to speak without using profanity. Because of the way many movies are we are very select in what we choose to watch. However, when I have been confronted with such language on the movie screen it seems there is an attempt to tell me that’s just the way it is in life. Even within the liberal community in which I live such is not depicted as the common way to speak. Certainly I hear some profanity spoken from time to time, but not the way some movie producers have chosen to represent its use in life. Someone has said, “Profanity is an evidence of the lack of a sufficient vocabulary -- and brains.” [source: “1600 Squibs And Quips”, compiled by E. C. McKenzie] Would we agree?

Is it that difficult to find BETTER THINGS to say than the profanity some use? With so many words to pick from, why do some limit their vocabulary with a few “choice” words that really add nothing intellectually to their conversation?

The Hebrew writer stated…
“(7) For land that has drunk the rain that often falls on it, and produces a crop useful to those for whose sake it is cultivated, receives a blessing from God. (8) But if it bears thorns and thistles, it is worthless and near to being cursed, and its end is to be burned. (9) Though we speak in this way, yet in your case, beloved, we feel sure of BETTER THINGS -- things that belong to salvation.” ( Hebrews 6:7-9 ESV)

As Christians, should not BETTER THINGS be expected of us? The context in which the Hebrew writer made the above statement was with regard to maturing in Christian faithfulness Hebrews 6:1) and though he did not specifically address the idea of speech, would not proper speech be a sign of having matured? What is characteristic of the fruit of our lips? If we are continually drawing from the right spring we will have no difficulty pouring forth speech (and actions) beneficial to others. Being ones who are privileged to drink in the nourishing blessings of God we should be seen as producing BETTER THINGS than that of the world.

Paul exhorted those at Ephesus to…
“Let NO CORRUPTING TALK come out of your mouths, but ONLY such as is GOOD FOR BUILDING UP, as FITS THE OCCASION, that it may GIVE GRACE TO THOSE WHO HEAR.” ( Ephesians 4:29 ESV)

Let us seek for every aspect of our life to exemplify the intelligent design God intended. He gave us a brain and we are the ones who choose the vocabulary we will use. May we seriously consider the impact of our words and what they declare regarding our relationship with God.

Have a great day CONTRIBUTING TO UPLIFTING CONVERSATION!
Carl

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