In the Old Testament God gave Ten Commandments for the purpose of successful living. They are commands, not suggestions. Since the Third Commandment addresses this subject, it should be taken seriously. The use of profanity is a form of rebellion. It is the cheap thrill of breaking the rules. Jesus said, “From the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks.” Matthew 12:34.
Cursing has become so common place that this generation thinks it is acceptable behavior. In high school, I was required to give a report on a book that was filled with profanity. I explained my conviction and returned the book to my teacher. She respected my values and changed the assignment. Why stoop to using profanity that clouds the atmosphere with vulgarity, when you have access to words that are uplifting?
Matthew 15:11
Jesus said, “It is not what goes into the mouth that defiles a man, but that which comes out of the mouth that defiles a man.”
Practical Application and Assignments:
The film industry has desensitized our society. The use of profanity has gradually crept into the TV screens across America. Profanity is unnecessary and disconcerting. It’s evil connotation and innuendos is disgusting.
- Don’t allow peer pressure to engage you in dirty four-letter words. Your ears are not trash cans. Don’t listen to junk. Your mouth is not a sewer. Don’t fill it with trash talk. Your eyes are not garbage containers. Change the TV channel. Walk out of the movie. Ignore the conversation. Raise the standard by standing up for your convictions.
- Reverence the name of God. He deserves our respect. “Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain…” Exodus 20:7 Using God’s name with disrespect is sacrilegious blasphemy.
“Every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account for in the day of judgment. For by your words you shall be justified, and by your words you shall be condemned.” Matthew 12:36, 37
