Living abroad I was often asked where I was from. The reason was simple - this accent stood out and definitely being foreign. At different times I was asked if I was American, British, German, and even French. One someone actually asked me if I was from Spain. That was a good day!
As Christians our speech should identify us as being different. Yes, we speak the same language as others around us. But our speech should not be peppered with vulgarity. Our conversation should not be filled with off colored jokes or callous remarks. We should not tell jokes that are racially inappropriate either. We are representatives of the King of Kings. Paul said that we are ambassadors for Christ. Our co-workers should know that they can be counted on to tell the truth and we should not be knowns as backbiters and gossipers. It is easy to get frustrated but how we respond to that frustration tells a lot about who we are.
Though none of us are perfect, our conversation will identify how much time we have spent in prayer and Bible reading. It will also tell how much time we spend on other things. Is our conversation about God? Does he even come up in daily conversation? Do we only talk about what we saw on television or the latest football games. We must remember that our words will betray the contents of our hearts. Perhaps we would do well to record ourselves for a few days. Personally, there have been a few days when I would have been afraid to listen to my own conversations replayed. But God is recording every conversation and he knows exactly what's in the heart. Let us guard our hearts and our words will be no problem.
Words are powerful; use them wisely.
Speaking Softly,
Sullivan Jones