A Limited Vocabulary
A Limited Vocabulary
Whenever I hear someone use profanity, I think to myself, “Poor fellow, what a limited vocabulary he has.” When I was a kid, it didn’t take me long to learn how to use profanity because my father could hardly speak a sentence without it, especially when he was drunk.
Women Are As Guilty As Men
In this day when moral standards are crumbling, it seems almost ridiculous that I should even consider the subject of profanity. But, since this kind of speech seems to be so popular wherever we go, something should be said about it. The disturbing thing is that whether it is in an office, a store, the school, or along the street, women are as guilty as men. I can remember a time when women and children refrained from using profanity to some degree. But it seems to be a matter of course on every age level these days. Most serious of all is the casual manner in which many people take the name of the Lord in vain. Though humans have changed in their attitude toward profanity, God’s reaction is just the same. What He said many centuries ago in Exodus 20:7 still holds: Thou shalt not take the name of the LORD thy God in vain; for the LORD will not hold him guiltless that taketh his name in vain. In Leviticus 19:12, He said, Ye shall not swear by my name falsely, neither shalt thou profane the name of thy God.
Judgment Is Certain
Three things are taught in these verses. First, God has declared that at no time should anyone use His name profanely. Second, if one does, he is guilty before God. And, third, though not directly stated in these verses, it is implied that those who are guilty must suffer the consequences. Using the Lord’s name in vain is a serious matter. Though God in grace may not judge immediately, judgment is certain.
Why do people use profanity? It is such a ridiculous practice. It is one of those foolish habits some individuals pick up along the way, to which they give little thought. Doubtless, many who are guilty of this evil do not intentionally seek to blaspheme God or Christ, but not being too interested in spiritual matters they become an easy prey for this worthless kind of speech.
Why Pick on God?
Have you ever wondered why people pick on God and take His name in vain? After all, He has been gracious, kind and considerate. If a person must stoop to this low, degraded custom, why not take somebody else’s name in vain? Why not take the name of his mother in vain, or some other honored or revered person? Why attempt to degrade God’s name? The God who created heaven and earth and who created us, who daily gives us air to breath, water to drink, in fact, who provides all our needs, does not deserve such thoughtless treatment.
Now check up on yourself. Consider your own speech for, remember, the LORD will not hold him guiltless that taketh his name in vain.
The Clergyman
One time a minister was seated alone in a restaurant eating his dinner. At the table next to him were some godless men who knew of the minister and decided to embarrass him. They used as much profanity and told as many vile and lewd stories as possible. As the clergyman ate his dinner, the men noticed that not a muscle of his face seemed to move. He appeared not to be disturbed in the slightest way. This perplexed his would-be persecutors to no end. As the preacher was about to leave, one of them said, “I believe you’re a minister, aren’t you?” “Yes,” replied the clergyman. “Well, you’ve heard all we’ve been saying in the last hour. How come you didn’t have anything to say?” “Well, it’s very simple,” replied the preacher, “I feel very much at home with you men, for I happen to be the chaplain at the state mental hospital.”
The Corrupt Heart
Profanity goes far deeper than the lips. We are told in Matthew 12:34 that out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh. Pure and clean speech does not come out of a corrupt heart. God says, in Jeremiah 17:9, The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked. Without a new birth experience through Christ, the heart is wicked and will be the source of godless talk. The Lord Jesus said, in Matthew 15:11, Not that which goeth into the mouth defileth a man; but that which cometh out of the mouth, this defileth a man. Many there are who are defiled by the godless talk and the corrupt communication that comes out of the mouth. There is only one way to correct this: Go to the heart of the problem which, of course, is the problem of the heart. Trust in Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord and He will give you a new heart. God says, A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you: and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you an heart of flesh (Ezekiel 36:26).
The New Heart
Anyone, regardless of age, race, or color, can receive a new heart by simply repenting and trusting in the living Christ. Possibly, you are a user of profanity. You realize its worthlessness and you want to do something about it. You have decided not to use profanity any more. Well, that is not enough. Such a decision is like whitewashing the well while leaving the putrid waters below. God desires to do the job the way it should really be done. Now keep in mind that profanity is only one of your evils. You have others that you haven’t even recognized. Christ desires to make a complete change by giving you a new nature and a new life. Let Him be to you what He desires to be: your Savior and Lord. After all, He made an unforgettable sacrifice for your sins. When He died on the cross, He paid a price for you that no one else could ever possibly pay. He did this because of His love for you.
Make Your Decision
Thus, make your decision. Bow your head and invite Him to enter your life and save you for all eternity. In your own words, tell God you are sorry for your sins and that you want Him to cleanse you and save you. And then, after making your decision for Christ, write and tell us so we can mail you some literature that will help you to get started in the Christian life.
The New Christian Packet
A dozen selected messages in print to help you if you've accepted Jesus Christ. Write and ask for it and we will send it without obligation.