I have read a few blog posts and been around some Christian leaders lately and have gotten a little frustrated. It seems that cursing is becoming a very accepted thing in writing on some Christian blogs and preaching on the weekends at some churches. I have heard tons of justification for this: we are trying to make the church more “man” friendly, we’re trying to be more culturally relevant or we value transparency.
The Bible is totally clear on this one – cursing for a Believer is sin:
With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in God’s likeness. Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers, this should not be. Can both fresh water and salt water flow from the same spring? My brothers, can a fig tree bear olives, or a grapevine bear figs? Neither can a salt spring produce fresh water. James 3:9-12
If that doesn’t work for you, go to Ephesians 4:29, 1 Peter 3:10 or Luke 6:45. Scripture is not silent on this one. Let’s bottom line it – this needs to stop and a boundary set in the lives of Christian leaders. If you’re struggling to grow spiritually and a curse word slips out, that is one thing. However, if you are a pastor or church leader, you need to seek accountability. Okay, the rant is over. What are some others areas that we are pushing the line on sin that needs to stop?
Agreed. I’m glad someone else brought this up and feels a little old fashioned about it too. People are quick to tag you with “legalism” if you confront something like this. However, I look at it this way: If the Bible addresses it clearly, then it’s not legalism…it’s truth, it’s a command, and it’s a way of life.
A person’s speech reflects their heart and mind. If someone sounds ignorant and disrepectful to others with the words they use, how can that be okay?
Thanks for this post.
Another good point. It’s not just curse words but hurtful words as well. Thanks Chris!
You got my blood a boil’n on this one boss. I totally agree with you!! I think that bottomline leaders, whether it’s in a regular job, or especially within the foundation of Christianity, ARE and WILL BE held to a higher standard, and held accountable!
I agree 100%. My simple question is: What is the point in using profanity? If you can’t communicate without it, you may have a deeper issue.
I find it amazing that a minister would equate both cursing and the pro-violence talk as being manly. Since when did a lack of self control equal manliness?
Great post.
Oh come on, you guys are old fashioned! This is 2009! Curse it up! That’s what turns the lost to Christ nowadays… cursing! Sheesh.
Seriously. Over the last few weeks, I’ve been thinking about “guy” jokes (Eph 5:4). Too often, I find myself cutting up with the guys, making jokes only they would appreciate. Like Chris Hill said above, it reveals your heart.
I would really like to find out where these guys see the line. For instance, serving beer & cigars may make church more man friendly, but I hardly think it would be the right thing to do. And, it really does go past cursing to all speech. I can work on that as well.
I don’t believe this is being “old fashioned.” Curse words are not new, they have been around for a long time. Believe me you are not being “old fashioned” by thinking this way, you are being a Christ Follower, and I appreciate that! I believe that a pastor or church would allow these things because they don’t have what is really needed to reach people. When you start to comprimise who you are people do not give you credit, they actually see you as being fake. If I know that you only allow cursing to get me there I see you as a people pleaser and that is sin (Gal 1:10), and the message of serving Christ with all we are has been lost.