I have continued to unfollow folks on Twitter who insist on using foul language, even though I have ask them politely to not use foul language or modifications of the word that leave no doubt as to what they are saying. But last night, I was listening to a Preacher as he delivered a great message, when he made a reference to the usage of foul language in business dealings outside the Christian world, it got me to thinking. He had been in a class where the instructor used a wide variety of foul words. He had ask him not to use them and was not having a lot of good results since the man could not talk a normal sentence with out the usage of curse words. A few weeks later the Preacher ran into the man and in their conversation, the man indicated that he was trying to clean up his language.
My father had a very foul mouth, and no matter what I said or my Mother said, he just said that he had learned it early in life and would use till he died. Well, he did. It had nothing to do with anything he said, but he just could not change. To him, it was like a smoker who cannot quit even though he knows smoking is not good for him.
In working for various people throughout the years, I was exposed to much language usage that would have been inappropriate for anyone to hear. As a Marine, I fell into using language that was not proper. When I went to work for the telephone company, I had to relearn how to speak without curse words when dealing with the public. I can certainly understand how easy it is to fall into the usage and how hard it is to have to think about every word you say. Now that I have rediscovered Christ in my life, I find that language offensive.
The understanding of the proper use of the English language goes beyond our interaction with others in every day life. How we use it, when we have a conversation, when we write a letter, and when we are alone, tells a lot about our character. What respect do you get, what willingness to cooperate, what understanding of the conversation is gained, is all dictated on what words we use. We degrade ourselves when we use curse words. There is no circumstance to warrant the use of a curse word, there are too many none offensive words available to use in their place. To be understood and respected as a person is one of our rights in life. Do not forfeit that right.
While, I would encourage you to find Christ as your Saviour, I also would encourage you to use proper language in all your dealings with people, personal or professional. You do not have to be a Christian to be a socially acceptable person, but you do need to have a mouth that speaks good of you as a person.
One last thought, when speaking in the presence of children, do you want them to sound like a garbage can mouth when they speak, it is you that learn from. It is you who will influence who they become in life. Children are great listeners and quick learners as well. Speak only those words you want them to learn. A college education and a foul mouth leads to unfulfilled ambitions. A college education and proper usage of the English leads to enhanced achievements. Which do you want for your children?
May God Bless you and may I only hear the good in you.
It’s amazing to me the number of people today who have no conscience regarding their words nor any respect as to who may hear what is said. Walking through WalMart recently I heard a 40-something woman on a cell phone speaking quite loudly and using “drill sergeant” type language. I’m sure my mouth dropped. It should not have surprised me when one considers what is said on TV, radio and the movies. I do commend you for your stand in removing people from your Twitter list. If more people would do such things, our air would be less polluted. Our children and grandchildren need good examples.