Yeah…It’s The Same Thing
Last week’s post was on Practical Ways To Give God The Glory. In that post, I mentioned that the tongue was the hardest muscle to control and how years ago, I had made the conscious decision not to say a cuss word.
Since I’m human, I’ve messed up several times and said things that I immediately regretted. So, how do you express displeasure or disgust without saying a cuss word?
Mark 11:12-14
12 The next day as they were leaving Bethany, Jesus was hungry. 13 Seeing in the distance a fig tree in leaf, he went to find out if it had any fruit. When he reached it, he found nothing but leaves, because it was not the season for figs. 14 Then he said to the tree, “May no one ever eat fruit from you again.” And his disciples heard him say it.
In Mark, we see that even Jesus could be hangry. When he was hungry, and the fig tree didn’t have any fruit, he caused the tree to wither up and die.
Mark 11:20-21
20 In the morning, as they went along, they saw the fig tree withered from the roots. 21 Peter remembered and said to Jesus, “Rabbi, look! The fig tree you cursed has withered!”
Jesus’s words weren’t tradtional cuss words, but they still showed His displeasure, and the effect was a dead tree.
A couple of weeks ago, my 9-year-old granddaughter was visiting. She and I were in the kitchen, and I can’t remember what happened, but I said, “Dang it.” She immediately said, NEENEE, in that sing-song voice that means you’re in trouble. I looked at her and said, “What? I said, Dang it.” She replied…” Yeah, it’s the same thing.”
And she was right. I hadn’t really quit cussing; I had just changed the words. Dang it, fudge, well shoot, and even sugar had become my replacements for traditional cuss words. I had been so busy patting myself on the back for not cussing that I didn’t recognize that the intent was the same.
I have basically been cussing but in a polite and more acceptable way. Jesus cursed the tree for reasons other than the need for food. He was using the tree to show His disciples the power of putting faith in God.
Mark 11:22-24
22 “Have faith in God,” Jesus answered. 23 “Truly I tell you, if anyone says to this mountain, ‘Go, throw yourself into the sea,’ and does not doubt in their heart but believes that what they say will happen, it will be done for them. 24 Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.
Words are powerful. Whatever you are cursing, even in a polite manner, could wither and die. So, choose your words wisely, and remember….those around you have big ears, even if they come in a small package.
To God Goes The Glory!
Have A Blessed Day!
Thank you. I appreciate this today. 😊
You always seem to have a devotional on what I need to hear.
Thank you for your testimony!
Thank you for this post. I definitely need to stop using the substitute words for cussing! You’re post are a blessing to me ❣️
Good message. I say “for crying aloud” when I am frustrated. The s word used to be my go to word. Hearing people use the Lord’s name in vain really offends me.
The tongue is hard to control in other ways as well! (Gossip, lies or anything we say that dishonors God.)
Good example. Thank you.
such a great reminder and uplifting at the same time!!
God bless!
This resonated with me in a big way! I commit to guarding my tongue in a better way.
One day when I was exasperated, in front of my 4 yr old granddaughter, I said, “Goodness gracious, chicken chicken!” This made us both laugh, and we decided that it’s good to say something silly when we’re angry because laughing clears the air and relaxes us.
This is wonderful!😆
your messages are so uplifting & relevant. thank you
Good message! I’m going to be better with my words.
I hope that you are going to continue with this series by giving us some good words to speak when we are frustrated, etc. The innocence of children can really help us be more aware of the words we speak and our actions towards others.
Such a good word today, Tania. A simple reminder from a child, yet so powerful.
My Mom used to say whale blubber & fish warts!
Great insight and I have never thought about the impact of even a silent curse on someone. Terrifying and convicting! Thank you for the reminder! 💗
I love this message today. Practical but wise and meaningful. Thank you!
Thank you for this. I had never looked at it this way. I have really never been one to curse. It’s just never been my thing. I think curse words are demeaning especially for women and I also think it’s disrespectful to use curse words around your elders…or for that matter anybody. I have three grown children (2 daughters and a son) and out of those three, my son is the only one that respects me enough to not curse in front of me. And if he slips up, he immediately apologizes.
Goodness! Out of the mouths of babes …….. It IS indeed “the same thing.” I love that the Father uses our very own littles to remind & teach us.
Wonderful lesson! Thank you, Tania!
Oh, you should relax a little. “dang it” is not a swear!
So true. In today’s world more people need to take this to heart.
Thanks for the reminder, no matter what is on our tongue, it’s what’s in the heart that matters to God, no fooling Him! Happy MDW
Thank you for the Sunday morning devotions. I agree with you and it’s very hard to stay patient and peaceful . I have found the best thing for me is to quote scripture. When I mess up I immediately pray and talk to God about it no matter where I am. I think it takes time and comes little by little so never give up. God loves us and He will help us if we only ask.