POTTY MOUTH

Last week I was getting gas at WalMart at a busy time when all the pumps were full.

Suddenly a woman roared up, slammed on her brakes, and hung out her window, screeching like a fishmonger at a man who must have cut her off in traffic.  She let out the most awful blue stream I had ever heard and it seemed to go on for five minutes as she repeated some words over and over.

I cringed once for myself and then again for the little kiddos in the car behind me who heard her.

Foul mouths are everywhere.  Once a man's sport, cursing became a woman's sport...and now sadly, even a child's sport.

Whether we are in the marketplace, watching television, or seeing foul words posted on Facebook...everyone's doing it.

Lately I'm "clutching my pearls" as I think of the unlikeliness of a political candidate who asks people to follow him while his mouth is as nasty as an infected sore.

Times they are a'changin.

Let's think about what's so bad about foul language...

RESPONSIBLE
People should know that there will be an accounting for those who misuse God's name.  God is holy and tossing His name around (in an oath/cursing/using it for evil purpose) is disrespectful.  Don't we pray "hallowed be Thy name"?

REDUCTION
Using coarse words reduces us to a lower level.  "Don't use foul or abusive language.  Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them."  If words don't bless God or lift others, aim higher.

REVEALING
Our words are like a report card for our hearts.  When life squeezes, what's inside comes out.  Jesus said "The mouth speaks from what fills the heart.  The good person brings good things out of his good treasury, and the evil person brings evil things out of his evil treasury.  I tell you that on the day of judgment, people will give an account for every worthless word they speak.  For by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned." 

The above THREE "R's" are addressed to Christians, but the principles apply to everyone.  Non-Christians should know irreverence will be held to account, they shouldn't reduce themselves to a base nature, and they should care about their heart condition.

FAIR WARNING:  habits are hard to break and this one will require the help of the Holy Spirit.

How about these quick principles?  SHOW GOD SOME RESPECT.  If you want others to listen or follow you, SET A GOOD EXAMPLE.  And because we were given our mouths to praise God and lift others up, STICK WITH THE PLAN.