Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. Have you ever seen the stuff that the rotor rooter guy pulls out of the clogged sewer pipe? To put it mildly, it is disgusting, but it is no worse than what we often hear spew from the mouths of some people. I have never understood why some people use foul, vulgar, offensive and disrespectful language that they do. When I was a kid, people got their mouths washed out with soap for using words that are far less offensive than the stuff we hear on tv, in movies, or even in everyday conversations all around us these days. What's even harder for me to understand is how we Christians can use bad language or profanity. We are supposed to walk the walk and talk the talk. So what on earth are we thinking when we use words that don't honor the Lord? The apostle Paul didn't just suggest that christians not use unwholesome talk and offensive language. He commanded we not do so. Some people ignore the scriptures, however, choosing instead to chew and spew the stuff pulled from the sewer. Jesus said, men will have to give an account on the day of judgment for every careless word they have spoken. For by your words, he said, you will be acquitted and by your words you will be condemned. Careless words include crude, vulgar and offensive words and expressions. They also include what we know as profanity, that is, swearing, or as some people put it, taking God's name in vain, which includes the expression OMG unless it is used prayer. In Ephesians five four, Paul said that there should be no obscenity, foolish talk, or coarse joking, which are out of place coming from the mouths of believers. Psalm 1914 says, may the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, o Lord, do you honestly believe that some of the words and expressions we use are really acceptable in gods eyes? Would you use those words and expressions in prayer? Everyone hears and sees some of the stuff that comes out of the sewer now and then, but lets not put it in our mouths. Those who have been by Jesus blood, who have pledged to live for him, know better and should have better control of their tongues. There is simply no excuse for dishonoring Christ with our words.

This has been your thought for the day with Steve Burkham, pastor of Community Christian Church in Stockton, California. If you have questions or comments for Pastor Steve, please send them to dailythoughtspodcastmail.com dot. Have a great day, and we hope youll join us tomorrow as Pastor Steve opens God's word to bring us another thought for the day.