In this text, the Israelites were rebuked for intermarrying with those of foreign lands. Their language and the worship of God was being lost as a result. Our language is a strong indicator of our character. Does it reflect God's language or the language of the world?
1. Cursing - the word, "profanity," in Latin means, "not sacred."
One definition says, "packing emotions we wish we didn't feel into words we wish we didn't speak." Matt. 12:34 - Out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks.
Cursing takes bodily functions, intimacies, and names and references used for God and makes them ugly. How do we overcome this area of ungodly language? It's a good idea to let the emotion of the situation simmer down before putting it in words.
2. Gossiping - Sharing information with someone who is not part of the problem or part of the situation. Ephesians 4:29.
If you have a problem with someone, go to that person.
3. Complaining - venting - Attempting to make a situation better by telling someone else how truly horrible it is. Numbers 11:1-2 - Complaining displeases the Lord. We will always find something to complain about.
If you dissect a complaint, there's a request. Go to the person and make a request in humility.
4. Critical Judgment - All judgment isn't bad. You use judgment every day when deciding if your car will fit in a parking space and a number of other situations. Critical judgment is attempting to increase your stature by belittling other people.
Jesus brought about change in people such as the woman with the issue of blood by contributing to their development. When we see others as Christ sees them, we will do the same thing.
Are we more fluent in the language of God or the world? Let's not get de-sensitized to what comes out of our mouths.
Administrator's Note: Thanks to Pastor Alan Hecht for a compelling message. We look forward to him visiting again in the future.
Zoe Christian Fellowship is located at 1111 Easton Rd. (Route 611), in Warrington, PA. We hope you'll visit and share in worship, praise, and the Word.
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