Cussing In Church

How do you feel about cussing? No, not “real” cuss words. “Christian” cuss words. You know the ones. It’s where you take a regular cuss word, change a letter or two and BAM! You’ve got a word that can be used just like a cuss word without the sinful weight of the real deal. Here, let me give you an example. Let’s say that you’re hammering a nail and you accidentally hit your thumb. Rather than screaming out some vulgar obscenity, you could scream, “shuck!” It’s a word like a cuss word (actually that one’s a two-fer, double bonus christian cuss word) but no repentance is needed because “technically” it’s not actually cussing. Or let’s say that somebody asks you to do something that you’re really opposed to doing. The old un-regenerated you could just say h*** no! But as a christian (since you can’t cuss) you can say, “hail no!” See how that works? Pretty cool, huh? Unless, of course, you’re from Alabama, then that last one would probably come out sounding just like the actual cuss word, so don’t use that one. But you get the point, right? How do you feel about that?
What about cussing in church? There are some pastors who actually use cussing as part of their talk (i.e., sermon, speech, ??? whatever we’re callin’ those things these days). I remember about 3 years ago I was at a huge pastors’ conference in Atlanta where there were about 15,000 pastors and leaders in attendance and one of the speakers (who was very well known) used an acronym used in texting (hint: it included the “F” bomb) that everyone knew, and when he said it, nobody jerked him off the stage. Actually a lot of people thought it was funny. When I heard it, it took a minute to register, because it was out of no where. Really? Did he just say that? It was awkward.
Then about a year and a half ago I was at another leadership conference in SC and a couple of the speakers (who are very well known) cussed during their sermons. And I mean “real” cuss words too. And everyone just laughed. How do you feel about that?
Now, I feel like I’m pretty cutting edge and I’m definitely not a prude by any means. Actually, I think I probably push things a little too far sometimes... that’s just me. But cussing during a sermon? “Homey don’t play dat.” Seriously. Do we really need to use profanity as part of our delivery of the Word of God? I’m all for being hip and cool as men and women of God, but when is enough enough? Where do we draw the line on trying to be more relatable to people who are far from God? Just something to think about.
For some reason I can’t see Jesus standing before a large crowd (and during his delivery of His sermon) dropping the “F” bomb because He needed to get His point across more effectively. Actually I can’t EVER see Him doing it. And it’s not like He never had the opportunity or He wasn’t ever ticked-off either. Think about all times He was mad at the Pharisees or at the people in the temple. He called them names on numerous occasions and flipped over some tables in the temple, but He didn’t cuss or use foul language. I know, it probably seems like I’m ranting (and maybe I am) but man, as leaders we’ve got to lead! And leading our people by showing them that it's OK to use cussing as part of our vocabulary as we’re communicating the scriptures (or in everyday conversation) just doesn’t seem wise.


Love Ya,
Jim

PS- Michael wrote us yesterday and said that the UFC was in Atlanta this weekend and the Light-Heavyweight Title was on the line. He said he was going to try and go if he finished with Guard Duty (ARMY National Guard) early enough. I should be there too! What the “H” is up with that? And by “H” I mean heck, of course: )

PSS- The pictures up top are of some of the plants and some of the views that we have here on the property. As tough as it is, most of the time here, the scenery is probably some of the most beautiful in the world. Thanks, God.
The picture of the church service is a church we ministered at in Curitiba on Sunday Night. They're a great church that wants to partner with us on Thursday Nights (for our discipleship meetings).