“It’s not that deep.” I loathe that statement. Especially when individuals use it to refer to things that are blatantly that deep. You may choose to brush the issue under the carpet with a phrase that will soothe your conscience. However, that does not negate the actual ‘deepness’ of whatever you are trying to ignore. Believe me, swearing IS most certainly that deep.
More Than Just Words
I’d like to think I’m a very tolerant person. Therefore, if a non-Christian friend uses swearing to express their point, I’ll kindly ask them to rephrase, or I’ll try to ignore it if they seem incapable of conversing without the use of profanity. However, to hear a Christian friend casually use the same words that I have just berated a non-Christian for using, is frustrating to me. When I address the issue it’s usually met with “it’s just a word, why does it matter?”
I’ll indulge the idea that it is just a ‘word,’ and saying that you ‘effing’ dislike someone is emotively equivalent to saying you ‘really’ dislike someone. However, I get the feeling that an individual would take more offence to me expressing my point with the former. Moreover, if you went to church and the Pastor addressed your current evangelistic efforts as ‘s***’ you would probably be more vexed than if he said they were abysmal or appalling. In addition, I’m sure most of you wouldn’t swear in front of your parents, so why is it ok to do so in front of your friends?
They’re not just words; the fact you wouldn’t/couldn’t use them in a universal context attests to that.
The Biblical Standard
“Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things.” (Philippians 4:8)
“Therefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and rest your hope fully upon the grace that is to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ; as obedient children, not conforming yourselves to the former lusts, as in your ignorance; but as He who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, because it is written, “Be holy, for I am holy.” (1 Peter 1:13-16)
Sometimes the last thing I want to hear someone say to me is “what would Jesus do?”, but there is no one on the Earth that could ever convince me that Jesus would swear. Despite everything I’ve said, my fundamental issue comes down to holiness and holiness alone. Ever since someone shared Philippians 4:8 with me I have endeavoured to use it as a filter for everything that enters my mind. I still have a long way to go given that some of my favourite television programmes probably aren’t praiseworthy or of good report. But although I do not swear, this verse encouraged me to never take up the habit.
Inexcusable
Most people tend to think before they speak. Therefore, whatever they utter is based on what has been ruminating in their minds. It is impossible to speak true and noble things if that is not what you mediate on. Likewise if swearing has become second nature to you, you can’t help but swear because you haven’t taken the time to cultivate your mind properly on pure things. In 1 Peter 1:13-16, Paul is admonishing us to remember that we serve a holy God that is around full time not just when think He is. His omnipresence should encourage us to always be holy. An intermittent holiness broken up by long periods of unholiness is not acceptable, neither should it make you comfortable. It’s simply not ok that you only swear sometimes, or ‘in the heat of the moment.’
God is holy ALL the time and if you constantly make exceptions and concessions for your conduct then you have become your own obstacle. It won’t be easy, but it is possible (Philippians 4:13).
Damaging
“A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.” (Proverbs 15:1)
If you’re struggling to articulate yourself then you should invest in a thesaurus (seriously), or read more broadly to discourage the use of expletives. Do you/are you ‘planning’ to swear when speaking to your significant other? For me, swearing is like the “harsh word” spoken of in Proverbs 15:1.
It’s inappropriate to incorporate swearing when speaking to someone you love – it’s not a healthy form of communication (and since you are supposed to love everyone, it looks like you can’t swear at all!).
So…
In all seriousness, I would urge you to please evaluate your conduct and walk worthy of your calling (Ephesians 4:1). Remember that you are a special person in his holy nation (1 Peter 2:9).
Swearing might seem like something small but I hope you can appreciate why it really isn’t…
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