I'll Watch My Language

 

           My brother and I went golfing in-between morning and evening services this last Sunday.  As it turned out, we were paired up with two other guys in order to make a party of four.  Naturally we were not thrilled with this but they seemed like decent guys.  However, not too long after we began playing, a lot of bad words and inappropriate topics were discussed between the two guys.  A little later, we were asked what our jobs were and I explained that I was a youth minister.  The man just simply said, "Oh sorry...I will watch my language."

            I found this whole situation interesting.  Up until that point, the man had absolutely no hesitation as to what he was saying.  Why did this man only now feel the need to watch the words he said and the topics he was discussing since a minister was around?  As I thought more about this, I came to several conclusions about many people in our society.

1.  He knew his language was morally wrong.  Why would he feel the need to apologize for his language and try to refrain if he did not think it was wrong in the first place?  This man knew there are certain things God disapproves of.  God has placed in us morals and a conscience in order to help us make the right decisions (1 Samuel 24:5f; Romans 2:14-16; etc).  Overall, people know what is ethically right and wrong, but too often people suppress this "moral code" to fulfill their own desires.           

2.  He wanted to put on a "good front."  Since a minister was around, he wanted to appear like he was better than he actually was.  Minister or not, you have probably had something similar to this happen to you as well.  People simply want to appear to be better then they actually are when religion is involved (Matthew 6:1-7; 15:8-9; etc).  In fact, Christ even called these type of people hypocrites.

3. He was reminded (at least on some level) that God expects different behavior.  All I did was tell him my occupation, but that alone was enough to remind this man that God is alive and He expects better.  While it may seem like God is being purged out of our society, most people still seem to have some type of fear and respect for God.  Let's remember we are to be the light of the world and the salt of the earth (Matthew 5:13-14), and remind people about God's expectations.

No matter what situation we find ourselves in, let's always strive to remind people about God and what He expects of us.  People tend to know what is right and wrong.  We can be that light to help show them where they need to be walking.  Let this also serve as a reminder to Christians, that we need to be genuine and follow God all the time, not just when other Christians are around.  Colossians 3:9 provides a fitting conclusion, "Whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through Him to God the Father."

 

Brett Petrillo