Four years had passed since my youngest brother and his family visited the rest of the family. Not that they live that far away. Just a matter of family issues. But in the fifth year, they decided to visit after Christmas. We spent the afternoon talking and reminiscing, then went to a downtown restaurant for a meal together. It was wonderful having all the siblings, cousins, nieces, and nephews together again.
Following our meal, we returned to our house to play a game called “Watch Your Mouth.” Participants pair up, don a mouthpiece—which forces their mouths into ridiculous shapes—draw a card, try to read it, and then have their partner interpret what they said—which usually sounds only vaguely similar.
I’m not sure why the game is named what it is. Watching your teammate’s mouth doesn’t help. Maybe it’s because the mouthpiece can make someone pronounce a word they wouldn’t normally use.
I can’t remember whether my parents ever used the command, “Watch Your Mouth,” but I still got the message. Theirs was the same as Paul’s to the early church. Saying words I shouldn’t in their presence would get me a stint of restriction.
Foul and abusive language can fall into several categories and include cursing, off-color jokes, crude language, sexual innuendos, acronyms, or other questionable words. Using such language makes us no different from those who don’t claim to follow Christ. Speaking like unbelievers keeps our light for Christ from shining. Jesus hung around those He knew needed to follow him, but he didn’t adopt their ungodly mannerisms to win them over.
The world already has enough discouraging news without us adding to it with language that tears down instead of elevates. Our speech should be filled with good and helpful words that encourage and build others up.
The tongue can be an unruly piece of meat, rolling out words that are better left unsaid. But with God’s help, we can control what comes out of it. What comes out reveals my character to others and whether I’m a person of integrity.
What portrait of you is your tongue painting for others?
Father, may the words of my mouth and the meditations of my heart be pleasing in your sight.
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