Spouting Like a Geyser of Oil

Kevork Djansezian / Getty Images

It jumps out of our mouth when we least expect it, like a geyser of oil polluting those we most admire. We desire for our lives to be filled with and overflow with thanksgiving in every circumstance, but our tongues pollute the water. This water is no good for anything.

What we are referring to is the filthiness, foolishness and crude joking which tears down rather than builds up. At times, such words are full of humor. They seem harmless, just like the games of an evil Joker, yet what is humor in one man's mind results in the destruction of another. Can we continue spouting polluted talk when we are called to so much more?

Can we stand by and listen as sexual innuendos cause us to laugh, but tears apart the new born Christian who left a life of sexual immorality behind? Ephesians 5:3-4 says, "But sexual immorality and all impurity or covetousness must not even be named among you, as is proper among the saints. Let there be no filthiness nor foolish talk nor crude joking, which are out of place, but instead let there be thanksgiving" (ESV). We can read this admonishment from Paul and brush it off, but the words are clear. All impurity should not even be named among those who follow Jesus.

You might ask, "Why should we not even name impure thoughts? I am not participating in those things that I name." Here is why. Take a look at Ephesians 5:1-2. "Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children, And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us..." Is it loving to build up one (with laughter that raises the roof) at the cost of another? Would Jesus casually talk about sin when it disgusts him?

I have been examining my language as of late. The question that I often ask myself is this, "Are my words and my actions giving glory to God?" Are you willing to examine your own mouth? Next time it is tempting to spout with crude intent, perhaps we can instead find something to be thankful for.