A Losing Battle

The battle against our own speech is possibly the most brutal battle in the life of a Christian.

Add high-school to the mix, and put the battle on steroids.

The worst part? The biggest reason non-Christians hate Christians so much is because of our speech. We need to do something about the trash that's coming out of our own mouths, more than ever.

Yet it's the one thing we do almost nothing about.

"From the same mouth come blessing and cursing. My brothers, these things ought not to be so."

-James 3:10

We sing songs in church about praising God. We tell people how we believe in God. Then we go and gossip about that-one-guy or spew foul language about how much we hate something. 

What's wrong with us? 

"Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving."

-Ephesians 5:4

I'm not really sure where the idea of swearing first came from. All I know is it's everywhere. I can't do anything about it, but boy, is it one of the things I hate most in the world. And it's not like I'm innocent. I mean, I don't swear, but it's harder than anything not to some days, with everyone around me absolutely gushing swear words. Why do we feel the need to? 

"Don't let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up, that it may benefit those who hear."

-Ephesians 4:29

 I wonder if people actually thought about what effect their words have, would they change them a little. How cool would it be if I could say that everything I spoke was beneficial to those who heard me.  Unfortunately, I'm a human, so that doesn't happen, but I want to think about that more when I just say stuff.

All this isn't to be preachy. Gosh, I sound so preachy. I honestly am so not good at any of this. Basically, I just need to start reminding myself of this daily. 

Because our biggest battles are against ourselves. If everyone's battling themselves, and losing, then there's not much hope for saving each other. 

So essentially, we all need God. Badly.

Oh Father, give me grace to forgive them

'cause I feel like the one losing... 
...why do we think that hate 
is gonna change their heart...

Author's Note: This is my new favorite song.