Something to ponder.....

A while ago, I read the following question. Something to ponder: How often do you consider whether the vocabulary you use in your daily life and declaring the gospel helps or hinders its furtherance? This is something that has been weighing heavily on my heart lately. I just want to share some thoughts I have had these past few weeks. And prayerfully, someone can be encouraged. It seems as though many Christians fail to realize or forget how important their speech really is to the cause of Christ. I too, can become lazy in controlling my speech. As I was pondering this thought, I came to Ephesians 4:29-"Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers". This simple verse has caused me to take a whole hearted look at my day to day speech. I was also pondering over 2 Timothy 2:16-"But shun profane and vain babblings: for they will increase unto more ungodliness".

The stirring in my heart has been sparked even further by things I have been reading lately. I have seen so many people lately using euphemisms. I have sat and prayed and pondered this for some time. A euphemism is defined as "the substitution of a mild, indirect, or vague term for one considered harsh, or offensive". So, it is using a word that doesn't sound as bad as the one that most consider offensive, but the meaning of the word is the same. Just think about it, gosh is a euphemism for God, golly is also a euphemism for God. Is it really any different to say Oh my gosh verses oh my God???? The answer has to be no. Darn and dang are euphemisms for damn. The list could go on and on. It saddens me when I am constantly reading other Christians write things such as "effin" or "effed" for the four letter "f" word. I am sure you all know what I am talking about. I have seen this many times in the last couple weeks. Euphemisms are just a milder way to curse or use Gods name in vain. There really is no difference. Just stop and think about it for one minute..it really is true!! Think of every euphemism you use (which I have been guilty of in the past), and you will see that there really is no good in any of them if you go by the definition of euphemism. It was very humbling to me. This type of speech should simply not come out of the mouths of Christians. Our speech as Christians is to be edifying which means to build up, and it should serve as grace to those that hear it. We have often heard this, but our words are windows into our heart. Some humbling thoughts that we all know but may let slip from time to time.

I just wanted to share what was on my heart tonight. Maybe the Lord will allow even one person to be encouraged by something they read here.