Matthew 12:34 “For the mouth speaks out of that which fills the heart.”

In just the last year, have you noticed the explosion and rampant use of the “F” word in all segments of our culture? We see, hear, and read of the rapid proliferation of this word in the media, entertainment, sports, politics, and everyday life. Its use should never be a part of the words coming from the mouth of a Christian man. I see it even now coming from both men and women, and it reminds me of Jesus’ words in our Scripture today. The world was shocked in 1939 when in the movie, “Gone with the Wind,” the words, “Frankly my dear, I don’t give a damn,” were spoken for the first time in movies. We now find those words mild or tame compared to the routine use of the “F” word. Our sensibilities have become so numb that our culture has fallen into what has been termed, “Defining Deviancy Down.” As behavior worsens, the community adjusts its standards so that conduct once thought reprehensible is no longer deemed so. Is this where we are today? Remember that God’s standards never change!”

Why am I challenging you with this downward spiral this week? You are the leader at home and work who must never fall into the use of such language in your daily walk. If you have children who hear the “F” word, how are you going to handle it? Small children may even ask you what the word means. What if they come home and use this word? My daughter had a pre-kindergarten (4-year-old) student scream the “F” word out in class. We all know where she heard it. What if someone at work uses the word, even in mixed company? Are you going to take a stand as a leader and stop it? Paul wrote in Ephesians 4:29 “Let no unwholesome word proceed from your mouth,”. If the “F” word proceeds from our mouth, it does not reflect Jesus who should fill our hearts. We should all want our wives, children, and people around us to know that Jesus fills our hearts. One question: would Jesus use this word? And, you will not find it in God’s Word. It should not be a part of our words as a Godly man and Christian leader.