As you can see, his topic was on our words - why some words are "bad" and others "good." My random thoughts follow:
Wow - what a topic - one that I've been trying to deal with ever since I moved to Texas. It's my observation that many Texans have potty-mouths, and when I got here and started interacting with people, I was surprised to see just how many people used such language so often.
Here's my deal: I understand what you're saying - they're just words - a string of letters hung together - innocent. And some people are offended by them. I appreciate your thoughtfulness in holding back when you know someone's offended, but do you have to offend them first to know that in the future you should use other (less controversial) words of surprise / frustration / excitement?
Would you allow your children to use these words at home? at school? Probably not - "stupid" and "shut-up" are bad words at our house!
So why do we rationalize our own use of these words? Didn't Jesus tell us that our words reveal what is in our heart? (see Matthew 12 for the whole story)
That makes me wonder what is inside of us (me) that drives us (me) to say things that I would punish my children for saying.
If we can adequately express ourselves in ways that reveal the good that God is planting in our heart and life, why do we feel the need to use these controversial words "when we can" (when we're in the company of others who won't be offended by them).
Being a son, I think about it this way: could I use those words when talking to my mom? Would it sound strange if I wished her a happy G*dd*mn birthday?
Being a husband, I think about it this way: could I use those words in a conversation with my wife? Would it sound strange if I asked her to wash the f*cking dishes?
Being a parent, I think about it this way: could I use those words when talking to my children? Would it sound strange if I were coaching my daughter's soccer team and told them to get after the d*mn ball?
Being an employee, I think about it this way: could I use those words when talking to my boss? Would it sound strange if I told him I had too much sh*t to do and he needed to hire some more f*cking help?
Being a pastor, I think about it this way: could I use those words in the pulpit? Would it sound strange if I were giving an illustration and non-chalantly included the word sh*t?
If I shouldn't use these words as a son, husband, parent, employee or pastor, should I try to find other places where I can? Why?
If it's possible that something I do could be offensive (and potentially become a stumbling block to someone else trying to live as a disciple of Jesus), I shouldn't do it. Even if I'm entitled to.
Paul dealt with this concept in Romans 14 and 1 Corinthians 8. The issue at hand back then was eating meat that had been sacrificed to idols, but I think we can make the connection to our words.
So...that's my thoughts...
Yours?
Until next time - RevPhil
4 comments:
Arg, i'm Mr. fumble fingers...here is my first comment, lets try that again.
Tag, your it! I blogged my response to your question Phil as my newest post. My Reply Post
Your post on Jason's and yours blew me away. Unfortunately, my tongue gets me often. I think what it boils down to is the fact that they are in a way, 'everyday' words. It really stinks that the words we know and teach that are bad, just roll right off the tongue as if we were just chatting over coffee. But your evaluation of "would I say these words to...." really made me realize that having these words feel comfortable to say is something that I hate. It makes me feel uncomfortable the minute it spews out of my mouth. I know it when I say it and I immediately try to tell myself, "Ok, you said it...no more" But because of the way our society has normalized these words it makes it easy to pop them out with no second thoughts. Phil, I will truly use your statements with great seriousness. I think it is just what we need to do in order to control some of the langauge that we focus on in our families. Thanks!
PS===if you know what is good for you....NEVER tell AKB to do the fu_king dishes!!! You'd be eating off the cornhole boards!!!
Having kids can make you re-evaluate your language a bit. Its amazing all the "bad" words I hear as the television is on. I notice them so much more now than before. I can't even stop on VH1's 100 greatest hits of the 80s without hearing a**, or cr*p. TV and radio have lowered their standards, or pushed the envelope, or whatever you call it: mainstreaming the language. Communist B*st*rds! Oops, they got me too.
What about different settings or people. Are there certain situations or peeps that you hang out with that are conducive to bad words? And is that ok?
Phil I have not laughed that hard in a while thanks.
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