January 6, 2014
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Words
Before my husband was a pastor, he was an electrical engineer. (Talk about a career change, right?) He told me once about when he was working on a job where everything seemed to be going wrong. His co-worker was getting more and more frustrated, and his language was getting worse and worse. My husband finally stopped him and said, "Correct me if I am wrong, but this job is going pretty wrong, isn't it?"The guy agreed, It sure is!
My husband asked, "Then, why do you keep asking God to damn it? It seems to me, what we really need is God's BLESSING!"
Well, the man sputtered and blinked and finally came up with, "It's just an expression!"
Is it? Is it really? Because God is real, and He comes when we call His name. He is listening to everything we say. Everything.
(Matthew 12:36 NLT) And I tell you this, you must give an account on judgment day for every idle word you speak.
Maybe we need to be more careful about what comes out of our mouths. Maybe we should think about using our words to bless and not to curse. Maybe we could work at making our speech more encouraging. Words are powerful things. They can build up or tear down.
(Prov. 18:20-21 NLT) Wise words satisfy like a good meal; the right words bring satisfaction. The tongue can bring death or life; those who love to talk will reap the consequences.
Do your words inspire? Do they create a sense of goodness? Are they wise? Do your words express that you care? Let's think about it.
Comments (10)
I like your husband's comment to his co-worker. I once froze my father's rant by telling him not to take my Lord's name in vain.
Your blog inspired me to further read up on this and I found an interesting take on it, a 2007 blog by Michael Patton.
It looked at the subject by actually disecting the phrase, down to its definition and origin. http://www.reclaimingthemind.org/blog/2007/06/what-does-it-really-mean-to-take-the-lords-name-in-vein/
I will let you read that at your will, but wished to post one of his commenters, because I like what "Scotti" had to say, so please forgive my length of reply here, and permit me this.
"We speak of a woman who marries and changes her last name to that of her husband as “taking his name.” If she were to take his name, and then continue to act as a single woman, she would be taking his name in vain.
If we live our lives in a way that people question that we are really called by His name, we take His name in vain. So our faithlessness is actually taking His name in vain.
Having said that, I think we should not be saying the GD stuff. Because as Christians, it’s supposed to be our job to shine His light so that people can repent and escape His judgment. It’s not our job to call down His judgment
Thank you
Thank you for your comment. I really appreciated your referring me to this blog. It is something I had never thought about in quite that way. Good stuff!
I certainly hope my words are positive and encouraging! I refrain from cursing - I once said "shit" and everyone about fell over! Yeah, that's my "bad" word and I rarely use it. I try to be an example to others..
well, Mae that might just cut my talking in half if I have to be positive and stop all the negative talk in my mind and what comes out of my mouth.
I would be so upset if someone talked to me that way but I do it to myself. Or meself as my kids used to say.
Thanks for reminded me that every word that comes out of my mouth or that I text should always be positive.
I hope my words inspire, although this hasn't always been the case. back in the day I would get mad and cuss and carry on like a madwoman until one day it dawned on me that no one listened to a madwoman. I thank God for that day...everyday! Happy New Year Mae!
Excellent blog, Mae! I did n' t know that Warren Had been an electrical engineer; Learned something new today! I love his response ... as well as the points made by your reader Crystalinne. Thank you for the great reminders!
I love it... your husband's eye opening comment to his co-worker.
Yes, 'bless and do not curse' - Romans 12;14
Hope you are doing well.
I was raised in a home where no one swore. Now, if I say "darn it" the kids are shocked. However, I don't think my words always inspire
and encourage, especiallywhat I say to my husband. I like the quote that Crystalline shared.
That is a great comeback!
Once again I am in serous trouble.
I have to keep a better watch on my mouth.