The Great Swear-Off - A Shocking Turn of Events!
The results from the first 48 hours of “The Great Swear-Off” are in. My wife and I agreed to commit our mouths to the Lord and clean up our use of obscene language. The results showing numbers of obscenities are tabulated below in my traditional “computer-dork” format : )
Folks, this is the greatest upset in the history of all anti-swearing contests! My wife was laughing last night that she was praying to God saying (and I’m paraphrasing) “God, please help my husband - this is going to be so hard for him but he really needs to clean up his mouth”.
Funny how God works, huh? : ) I jokingly refered to the next passage when discussing this with my wife.
God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise, God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong, God chose what is low and despised in the world, even things that are not, to bring to nothing the things that are, (1 Corinthians 1:26-28 RSV)
Of course I must confess that last night/this morning I was upset about work and spoke all kinds of words of fear and doubt. While there was only one “obscene” word thrown it, I feel that doubt and faith in the Devils promises are probably just as bad as the occasion “F-Bomb”. I’m glad we don’t have a “negativity jar” because I’d be in major trouble.
Even though I “stomped” my wife in the early part of the game, there are several lessons from the first 48 Hours:
- Any victory belongs to God. I wanted to quit cussing for probably the past 20 years.
- We are both winners and losers at the same time - Winners because God is doing a mighty work in us daily. Losers because this is costing us serious cash - No Moe’s for a few weeks : (
- “From the Heart, the Mouth Proceeds” - Just stopping swearing isn’t enough. The swearing isn’t the problem. Rather it is the evidence of a spiritual problem. My wife and I need to fill our hearts with the word of God to flush out the fear and doubt that causes anger, that then manifests in obscene language.
- This is doing wonders for my listening skills. I’m so concerned about saying anything, that I’m not saying much at all. This is going to be great for my marriage : )
- Not that I want to get legalistic about my life, but words that express faith in Satan’s promises over God’s promises are just as bad as obscenities. I’m not “throwing in” for those yet, though. One battle at a time.
Thanks for dropping by - Have a Blessed Day!
Matt,
As far as cussing goes, I am glad there aren’t any references to “the people we have staying with us.” Seriously, though, I commend you both for doing this. However, don’t get to confident in the current results. You aren’t ahead by much:)
I never thought about negativity and such in the context of “Satan’s promises.” That puts my worries in a whole new perspective. I find that that is a great way to look at mistrusting what we know the Bible or God tells us. Thanks.