Loose Talk

Recently I posted a piece on ‘Loose Living’ and in the days after this, I have had cause to pull myself up on loose talk. Not coarse or bad language, but talking and responding in such a way that does not show the right ‘Christ-like’ spirit. If you use any of the social media platforms, the chances are that you will find yourself printing something you would never say to anyone face to face. We all know the verse, “When you talk, don’t say anything bad. But say the good things that people need—whatever will help them grow stronger. Then what you say will be a blessing to those who hear you.” Ephesians 4:29

In Scotland we live in a society and culture where a form of sarcasm is considered normal banter, even between Christians, but as others look on, is it the best way to behave? Mark 9:42 says, “If anyone causes one of these little ones—those who believe in me—to stumble, it would be better for them if a large millstone were hung around their neck and they were thrown into the sea.”

The thing that pulled me up short was the fact that on some social mediums, although a bit of light(?) sarcasm can pass between friends, there are other young in the faith folks who look on, and that way of talking can be a bad example and a stumbling block. Is that what we really want? The words of Jesus are a very strong warning against loose talk in any of its forms, and I don’t want to be remembered for that characteristic. Let good, wholesome, clean fun begin!