Your Words

Your Words

Don’t use foul or abusive language. . . . Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior. Ephesians 4:29, 31

I’ve always heard that foul language is not only tolerated in football locker rooms and on the field, it’s expected. People say, “It’s just that kind of place.” I don’t get that. If I’ve got enough self-control to not use foul or abusive language other places, I clearly could do the same on the field. And I chose to do so.

The way I see it, abusive language toward officials will get your team penalized or get you ejected from the game. The same language, if used in a television interview, would draw a fine, suspension, or firing. So even those players and coaches who use that type of language learn to control it.

I’ve noticed that award shows on television aren’t live anymore, but rather run off a five-second delay. That is absolutely no surprise to me; I wonder why it wasn’t changed sooner. Radio talk shows have had five- to seven-second delays in place for years for callers. It’s probably a wise strategy, given the things we’ve heard coming out of some people’s mouths.

If you use unwholesome language on a regular basis and brush it off as “I’m just kidding around,” people will lose their trust in you and it could hurt feelings and damage relationships forever. Even if you said something that might be considered complimentary, your words might be suspect as people think, I wonder if he means it. They won’t know whether they can trust you enough to bring something serious for your counsel or input.

Similarly, let no bitterness or harsh words come out of your mouth. What do you do when someone hurts you by saying mean things? If it is directed personally toward me, I can handle it easier than if someone hurts or tries to hurt someone I love. In that case, my first instinct is for the gloves to come off. My better instincts cause me to wrap my loved one within my protective embrace—actually or figuratively—and try not to make the situation worse by lowering myself to the same level of bitterness, harshness, anger, or slander being thrown at them.

None of this is easy to do. In fact, we have to ask Christ to control our thoughts, words, responses, and behavior. When we do, we bring honor and glory to Him—for all of the world to see.

Uncommon Key > Don’t shrug off foul and abusive language, in yourself or others. If you need to clean yours up, begin right now.