My case for not using curse words, is it for me alone? I am here and now, giving you the reason for my speech impediment.
Paul’s Use of His Freedom
19 Though I am free and belong to no one, I have made myself a slave to everyone, to win as many as possible. 20 To the Jews I became like a Jew, to win the Jews. To those under the law I became like one under the law (though I myself am not under the law), so as to win those under the law. 21 To those not having the law I became like one not having the law (though I am not free from God’s law but am under Christ’s law), so as to win those not having the law. 22 To the weak I became weak, to win the weak. I have become all things to all people so that by all possible means I might save some. 23 I do all this for the sake of the gospel, that I may share in its blessings.
I know that one of my spiritual gifts is the Ministry of Reconciliation
In a few of my conversations with those “seeking to come in from the cold” I have witnessed that they are looking for relief from the world. They do not find my lack of cursing offensive, on the contrary, they find it a welcome relief.
Also, when I write and speak, I want my words to be acceptable to a wide audience. I find that there is a case to be made for not “dating” my writing, by making it too niche in regards to historical context. Its no use to use the cartoon allusion of the “singing frog” with someone who is not in my generation. I must instead find ways of relating that same idea in new ways, that actively communicate the same message, with the power that it may have to someone who knows that Bug Bunny Episode.
What is that message?
That just when you think you have a chance to make a profit, on something that has dropped into your lap, you find that it won’t perform in front of an audience the way it does when you came across it.
I was asked by a fellow in my Sunday School class, an adult, to come speak at a venue. He’d recognized my talent as a public speaker. I remember with horror how I stood up in front of that crowd, and all my inspiration and ability to speak was no where to be found. The stage is not my venue. And if it ever will be, it is yet to come.
Another aspect of my “no cursing” is that I myself find that hearing someone talk that way, makes me cringe. They sound ridiculous. I in no way want to be associated with them. That’s a Matthew 7:1-6 thing. I can’t in good conscience do what I myself cannot stand to hear from others.
It is the language of the irreverent. So I will not participate in it.
Very similar to this is my unwelcoming stance to Mr. Alcohol when he shows up.
He strolls in as a guest, to spice up the party. And I stand to show him the door.
Those who struggle with Alcohol, and drug abuse… both the one addicted, and the family and loved ones of same, have lost so much at his hand! I no longer have any use for such thing!
I give it no honor in my life.
But I also do not preach a message of abstinence to anyone.
I don’t regard it as an indication of a person’s being saved or not.
Even sexual impurity and lack of brotherly love… I believe these are two very important aspects of the mature Christian brother or sister in Christ.
But once begun, where does it end?
Going ALL IN with God, becoming a living sacrifice, is a precious thing.
Hebrews 5:11-14
Romans 12:1-2
I am blessed to report that I am experiencing a great blessing in my life by daily spending time writing out his word. But I cannot make this a “must do” for anyone, in order for them to be saved.
its akin to telling someone that their lifejacket isn’t any use to them if its laying on the floor of their canoe, after its capsized… and floating away from them in the current… maybe they will be able to get to shore’s safety without succumbing to the elements? Who am I to say? But it’ll be a case of doing all I can to survive every contingency, by doing all I can now.
When i use to teach boating safety, I’d tell them to :
- wear your PFD of Life Jacket
- don’t go far from shore
- never boat alone
- don’t drink or use drugs when boating
- have an extra paddle with you
- have a noise maker with you
- have bailing can with you
…and inevitably there is a student who asks the question. They ask the “what if…” question. What if… and they list all of those wise things to do… what if I didn’t do any of those… and I’m out in the middle of the lake, and a storm comes up suddenly out of no-where… and my answer surprises them… I say, start swimming to the bottom of the lake, better to get it over with quickly… just take in a lung-full of water, and die.
Running Down Vimy 