A friend of mine (I’ll call him “John”) works for British Petroleum. About a month ago, John travelled to Australia on a short-term business trip. Very quickly, he found himself in a pagan environment where “highly-educated” professionals could not complete a sentence without swearing. Needless to say, John was taken aback by their language. Ironically, however, one of his pagan co-workers was equally impacted by John’s language. In fact, at one point John’s non-Christian associate noticed that he did not curse. Puzzled by the absence of expletives from John’s lips, he asked, “John, why don’t you swear?”
BryantAs Christians, we spend a great deal of time trying to come up with new and creative methods for sharing the gospel. Sometimes I think we make evangelism harder than we should, for even in something as simple as how we speak, we are able to give a positive witness for Christ. With this in mind, the principles listed below can guide believers as they seek to share the gospel through their speech.
– Show reverence when referencing members of the Godhead (God the Father, God the Son, God the Holy Spirit). Do not use a divine name: to deceive others of your true intentions (e.g., swearing by God’s name to cover a lie; see Matthew 5:33-37), to express anger, frustration, or resentment at someone or some regrettable situation, or in a manner that shows disrespect toward the Godhead (e.g., flippant use of God’s name).
– Refrain from speech that shows contempt toward others (e.g., derisively calling someone an “idiot” or “fool”; see Matthew 5:22). Regardless of whom you speak to or about, remember that all people are made in God’s divine image (Genesis 1:26-27). Furthermore, Jesus’ command for believers to love their neighbor as themselves (Matthew 22:39) effectively outlaws contemptuous speech toward others.
– Avoid language that shows a disdain for Scripture’s presentation of sex; namely, sex between a husband and wife committed to a one-flesh, covenant relationship (Genesis 2:24). For example, a Christian should not joke about what he’d like to do sexually with a woman who is not his wife. Not only does such speech mock Scripture’s standard for sex, it also shows disrespect for his spouse.
– Use speech that is “wholesome” in nature (Ephesians 4:29). Stated differently, strive to employ language that is useful, valuable, or profitable to others that results in their edification. Granted, there are times when we should correct others (Proverbs 27:5; 28:23), even rebuke them strongly (Galatians 2:14). However, in general our speech should strengthen those around us.
– Recognize the power of speech and use it appropriately. Our words to others (or even about others) can have a powerful effect on them (e.g., Proverbs 12:18; 15:4; 16:24). We should therefore choose our words wisely, delivering them at the appropriate time.
– Let your speech be guided by a whole-hearted love for God and people (e.g., Matthew 22:37-40). This general rule summarizes most principles listed above. When unsure in regard to your speech, it will serve as a helpful guide.
Whether or not you realize it, your language – how you speak to others and about others – can provide a powerful witness to the lost. Trust me, if you follow these principles, your lost co-workers, family and friends will take note. When they do, point them to the one who is not only Lord of your language but also Lord of your life.
– Bryant is assistant professor of religion at Charleston Southern University.