The Cussing Christian

A Christian who cusses?  I know.  It sounds like an oxymoron.  But believe it or not as we begin our journey to live that Christ life we encounter moments of being an oxymoron. Yes.  There will probably be some apparent contradictions in our fresh new walk in Christ.

I grew up hearing bad language.  Thank the Lord I had a Mom that couldn't say a bad word if her life depended on it but I did have other people around me that cussed like a sailor.  It was quite normal for me to hear bad language growing up.  As I entered my teen years it wasn't long before curse words were sandwiched in my sentences and laced in my vocabulary.  

Fast forward to the night I gave my life to Christ.  I gave Him all of what I had.  I decided that night if He could do better then He could have it all.  Well, I did not stop saying bad language that instant and I was 100% sold out to Christ.  That's right, I was a cussing Christian.  The funny thing now is that I didn't even know I was a cussing Christian.  Isn't it amazing, looking back now, I wasn't even a bit convicted about my language.  I am pretty sure, in the beginning of my walk with Christ, that people questioned my Christianity.  I definitely got the turned up noses and the sarcastic remarks.

But today.  Today, I don't use bad language.  I actually cringe inwardly when I hear it.  I have been bad-language free for about 18 years.  When did I quit becoming a cussing Christian?  I don't really know the exact moment.  I just know as I passionately pursued God there came a moment when all of a sudden I heard the words that came out of my mouth.  But by then bad language was a habit.  It was part of my vocabulary.  Thank God for His grace and patience and unconditional love for me.  He never put His nose up to the air or turned His back on me during the process of changing my vocabulary to line up with His word.  I love Him so much.  I love the way He loves me.  I love the way He loved me even when I was a cussing Christian. 

Maybe you know a cussing Christian?  Can I encourage you to show and give them grace.  If they are actively and passionately pursuing Christ it is only a matter of time they will hear their words and seek to line them up with His word.  Until that happens, smile and don't cringe too hard.  They are still a Christian and still loved unconditionally by their loving Father. 

(This post is not referring to a "mature" Christian who continues to use bad language. That's a whole other post! :) 

Be Blessed!