Rooted in the Word

Bearing Fruit in the Spirit

Toledo Foursquare Church

Monthly Letter

Do You Kiss Your FATHER With that Mouth?

Have you ever noticed that when someone says, “Something funny happened to me,” that it is actually rarely funny? Well, I have and, in spite of that I will begin my story with just such a statement.  A funny (sad, heartbreaking really) thing happened on my way to the office. I was caught in a conversation with a brother in Christ which was good and edifying and doubtless a divine appointment. But he reminded me of something I had heard which I had forgotten about but was, from my point of view, disgusting. He reminded me of a day when I heard a church leader at a leaders conference swear from the pulpit. Now you see why I say it isn’t really funny but sad.

Let me tell you the story. I was at a conference and a leader got up (the featured speaker) and made what he doubtless thought was a cute statement. He said, “Christian Rules and Principles spell C.R.A.P.” Unfortunately, the audience roared with laughter only to encourage future such debased foolishness. Unless I am being too subtle, let me simply say that I vehemently disapprove of such indulgences. You may say that that word is not a swear word,  to which I would respond that it used to be, and just because society has chosen to accept it doesn’t mean that I must.  Firstly, this is my web-letter and it is a platform for me to speak regarding my personal opinions and taste and how I feel they fit with scripture.  If you want to argue for crude language, get your own website and have at it, but be careful what you fight for.  Should you choose to be open-minded to other opinions then please continue reading.

I think that society is loudly pounding its drum and the church is often choosing to march to such a beat.  I, on the other hand choose not to march to the beat of society’s drum.  I believe that the drumbeat of Christ is found in scripture. That is simply the drumbeat which speaks to my soul. I see no reason why people who would embrace clean and ,frankly, more sophisticated speech should be attacked simply because they don’t want to talk dirty in the bathroom with the rest of those who name the precious name of our Lord who happened to also be infused with a Junior High mentality. You see it everywhere really. Standup comedy, for most, has been reduced to the juvenile behavior of saying dirty words to get laughs. Unfortunately, as it all too often does, the church follows suit with the world rather than the Word.

I remember some years ago early in our church’s history when I invited someone (representing a ministry of our district) to speak at our church.  He chose to use the word in question in a sermon, which would explain his lack of invitation since. I was disappointed to discover as I walked outside into the parking lot that men in my church were standing in a circle with him taking turns at using this new addition to church vocabulary. It truly was reminiscent of my days in junior high when the boys would gather in the bathroom and talk trash in an attempt at sounding grown up. I was fortunate enough later to thank the individual for introducing this new vernacular to our body. Since, that time until now I have been in many different “Christian” meetings where the same modus operandi, was exercised in an attempt to entertain and, according to them, be relational.. I have sat in secular continuing education seminars for professional counselors which were more holy in speech and subject than some of the coarse jesting I have heard in church settings. I have to ask what is wrong with us.

Let me share a scripture with you, “But now you yourselves are to put off all these: anger, wrath, malice, blaspheme, filthy language out of your mouth.” Colossians 3:8. Isn’t it fascinating, at least at an anthropological level if nothing else, that the church would not argue the putting off of anger, wrath, malice or blaspheme, but that even some of its preachers would continue to embrace filthy language from the mouth. I don’t think it is up to our culture to determine what is filthy language for I do not think that it is able. I think we need to look to the Lord for that.  I understand that people could accuse me of legalism.  Well, if legalism is strictly adhering to the law of God, please sign me up, but if legalism is adhering to the law of religious man then I think those who allow society to determine what is morally acceptable are the legalist not me.

If I may address for a moment Christian rules and principles, as I understand it Jesus Christ is the Author and Finisher of our faith according to Hebrews 12:2. Understanding this I would have to say that true Christian rules and principles would have to be determined by Him, the things taught in His Word.  It was Jesus Who said, “If you love Me, you will obey My commands.” (John 14:21). So let me say that I don’t appreciate anyone who refers to the commands of my Lord as human waste.  In regards to debased and filthy speech, we need to ask sincerely if that is the kind of language that should be used before God’s throne.

 In regards to its use here on earth and in particularly in regards to this word which is being so freely bandied about in the church, I think even nature teaches that defecation is not meant to come out of the human mouth. 

Now, as for where I got the title for this paper, when I was young and someone was exercising a particularly filthy mouth, people would ask, “Do you kiss your mama with that mouth, boy?” Now as I understand it in the Greek New Testament the word “proskuneo” was used for worship.  This word fascinates me as it indicates to “kiss the hand,” or in some cases, “as a dog licks the hand.” If you are a dog lover and have ever seen the undying loyalty with which a dog can love you, it is, indeed, powerful imagery.   However, as a dog owner, you also are well aware that there are times when your dog has had things in its mouth, and you would just as soon not have it lick you immediately afterwards.

I surmise that the issue at hand is that Christians should not let filthy communication come from their mouths. I further purport that our current society should not be the determining authority in regards to what is filthy. I understand that often times this kind of thing happens because good people are trying to be down to earth. May I suggest that the earth is made of dirt and that when we get down to earth we get dirty?  I think we can be real, humble, approachable and human, and that all of this can be accomplished without being dirty. Shouldn’t we aim higher?  I know I am not the only person who is put off by this kind of classless colloquialism (swearing). I have talked to plenty of other pastors at events previously mentioned who were equally disappointed in the boys’ room banter of our colleagues. James was so correct in writing that man sins with his tongue. However, should people who desire God’s anointing on their mouth continue to do so? I think not!

So in closing, I have come to believe that people often using the particular word in question all belong to the same club.  This institution has as its title that particular word for organism waste. They speak it often so that all may know they are a part of the group.  They seem to feel it accurately describes their moral standing and call its name in an attempt to identify fellow compatriots. They seem to feel that its sound, smell and identity is descriptive of their own condition. This word in question which I first referenced being used is indeed an acronym for the condition of a multitude of those embracing post-modern Christianity. I have come to conclude that it stands for “Christians, Rude And Polluted.”

Well, the world is beating its drum to a very ugly and debased cadence of casual disregard for all that is holy. I expect it always will. I just personally choose not to march to it.  I would rather err on the side of etiquette and decency than the side of questionable morality.

Charles

Copyright 2007 Toledo Foursquare Church, Toledo, Oregon