WHY I AM RETHINKING THE LANGUAGE I USE + HOW IT SHOWS OUR CHARACTER // [expand + grow]

you guys know me. I write down things that I'm thinking about or feeling or dealing with. And, sometimes, that doesn't mean those things are pretty. Sometimes they're hard. Sometimes (like in my poetry) they're just a little too close to home. and for me, those are the ones that make me grow. it's not enjoyable, but still.

I really don't know what will happen after this post goes live. tbh, I've struggled for months to even make a draft.

guys. it's about swearing. about Christians swearing.

you see, long ago when freaking, suck, heck, and omg started trickling into people's/blogging vocabulary, I ignored it. But recently, there isn't a day that goes by without seeing it somewhere. I'm confused. I've heard the real swear words in my life -- they're awful similar to these.

The words I listed above don't seem to be considered swear words or even bad words by most. But..I do believe we all know they're substitutes for the real thing.

substitutions in a recipe are meant to be so close to the actual thing that you don't notice the change. the same with words.

Then, I came to the point of deciding myself when I had comments on my blog often with these words. I'll admit it - I've posted some. (I moderate my comments) But, there have been a lot that I haven't published.. I'm very cautious with what content I allow. for me, I want this blog to be a place where I would be comfortable with anyone to read it.

this whole has awakened to me that unwholesome talk can be much much more than harsh/bad/curse words. I'm guilty of falling into the sin of gossip, sarcastic comments that tear down rather than build up...and more... Bc it’s the motive. It’s your heart and what you are thinking behind words. I am not perfect in the least, but perfection in Christ is our goal...right?

It's hard to be different. but that's almost not the point anymore...it's coming to the point of Christ and how He would have us conduct ourselves...the words we say, things we do...how we glorify God!

I know people are going to tell me that I'm judging. Or that I have my own log in my eye compared to your twig. that is true. the fact is, as Christians we are not supposed to be of this world. Swearing is worldy...I have even seen the Lord's name taken in vain. for me, that's incredibly sad. I have people do that around me sometimes - at work, the store..it's still wrong but I know they are unsaved. And then, when I see Christians folding into that, I'm so disappointed. It is definitely becoming popular… and it’s becoming more important than the things God has told us.

tbh we talk about being like Christ but are we?

EPHESIANS 4:29-32

Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers. And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.  Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice. And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you.

personally, I've been asking random friends "why do people swear?" these are majority answers

• just to fit in/feel cool/impress people
• it gets anger out
• to explain feelings
• bc that's how they were raised/it’s just what they do

Those things don’t necessarily make it right. In fact, they can’t. God clearly says in the 10 Commandments

You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain, for the Lord will not hold him guiltless who takes His name in vain.” (exodus 20 :7)

I’m pretty sure God measures that sin up the same as murder...and well...no motive can clear that and make killing right.

AND WOW JUST SAYING HERE I HAD SOME OF THE BEST CONVERSATIONS WITH THESE FRIENDS AFTER ASKING THE QUESTION. I also asked them their advice on if I should go ahead with posting this..they said yes. so THANK YOU FOR THE SUPPORT FRIENDS <3

The things we say speak clearly to the state of our heart. My mom has said this my entire life. It’s taken me a long time to get over the immediate “nah Mom!” to realize...yes, she’s right. It does matter. There are a lot of people around us daily who are not saved - who are not Christians - and our testimony may be the only change to plant a seed in their lives!

And… well, that may be in the form of you not actually saying anything, but being different. Actions often speak louder than words. But, if we are sitting there joining in with the wordly talk, how are we showing that Christians are different? How are we showing what Christ did for us?

It makes me so sad when I hear that Christians are becoming the same...or when non-believers state that, well, that’s when my heart sinks into my stomach. It’s time to face the facts. Often we think that we are young and the things we do/say don’t matter...well, tbh, they do.  They really really do.

Maybe we aren’t ready to change the entire world but how about the way we interact with our daily circle of people - our daily world. Today isn’t too late. I’m trying myself...I’m honest when I say it’s not easy. Things slip out...and then I beat myself up thinking “srsly Julia just get this right!”.

That’s when I cry out to God.

me beating myself up

Guys, I’m not telling you this bc I think I’m better - I’m telling you bc I care. Character is a HUGE deal. You’re known by it for the rest of your life. Christian character is even more important. Growth is constant, but only if you allow it.

this is 100% the longest post I've ever written, but more than that, this is the longest in the working post I've ever had. Please known that I'm not just typing these words to clear my conscience..or just to say them. I MEAN THESE THINGS. These are actions that I'm changing in my life.

So like I said at the beginning of my EXPAND + GROW series...this is going to be hard. This is difficult for me to post, but bc I’ve never let fear stop me before, I’m pushing ahead. God has definitely laid this post on my heart...He has a big big plain in store for each and every one of us..like isn’t that sooooo exciting?!?!

thanks for reading and just know that I'm praying for you <3

WHAT ARE YOUR THOUGHTS? 

ALSO DO YOU HAVE ANY SNOW??