Craig Clouston

 Praise and Cursing

January 16

Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers, this should not be.

James 3:10

Brian vigorously shook his hand, cursing, as if by doing so it would alleviate the pain in his thumb, the one he’d just smashed with that blasted hammer.

“Sorry, Lord,” he said sheepishly. “It just slipped.” Nowadays, he didn’t slip as often as he used to. Nevertheless, his vulgar language was something he needed to work on. He hadn’t realized how trashy his language had become until three years ago when his four-year-old son had sworn in public, using God’s name in vain, along with some other embarrassing language. Unfortunately, it had been said in front of Brian’s aunt who was visiting the family.

The epitome of a lady, his aunt had attempted to alleviate everyone’s embarrassment by saying, “Oh, the things kids learn in school these days.”

But Brian had to admit that Bruce had picked up the language at home. After all, he wasn’t even in school yet!

†

Brian attended church on a regular basis, and he truly believed he was living a godly life. But when we use our own moral compass to guide ourselves, we will end up off course.

God knows our weaknesses and loves us in spite of them. We are to be the best representative of Christ we can. And that requires conscious effort.

James wrote much about our tongues and how they can create serious issues. Our words will either lead others toward Christ or away from Him. We need to be conscious of the way we speak and the words we use.

Swearing does not bring glory to God. Consistency is important, not only when in public, but especially when we are by ourselves. It requires spiritual discipline to be a good example. There are no occasions in which we are totally alone; God always hears what we say. Being consistent begins with being conscious of Whose we are.

Prayer

“Loving Father, I need Your strength. I try to deny that it’s a big deal when I swear. Help me understand the effect my words have on others. Show me the truth of my actions. Help me to be a better representation of Your Son. In Jesus’ Name, amen.”