We are responsible for our language

Good morning everyone,

Our theme for this month “Personal Responsibility”

Our Bible verse for today: “Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you should answer each person.” Colossians 4:6 (CSB)

Our thought for today: “We are responsible for our language”

Recently a video surfaced on the internet of a QAnon-linked rally that was held in Cornerstone Church in San Antonio, Texas. The church is led by the controversial charismatic pastor John Hagee. In the rally hundreds of people jumped to their feet and began chanting “Let’s go Brandon!” over and over again. The church later attempted to distance itself from the incident by saying it was done by an outside group that was using the church facilities.

Most of you are probably aware that “Let’s go Brandon” is a code phrase that means “F-Joe Biden” The people who use it omit the actual profanity, but the meaning is the same. The question for Christians of course is, “Is it okay for Christians to use a phrase like that?” Hopefully we can all agree it’s totally inappropriate in church. But is it okay for Christians to say it, wear it on a tee-shirt, or to even imply it?

The “F” word is profane slang for the act of sexual penetration. When it’s used as a curse directed at someone, it essentially means that the person saying it hopes the person on the receiving end of the curse will be sexually penetrated by their enemies. That’s what “F-You” means. So, when someone says “Let’s go Brandon” they are essentially saying they hope the President of the United States gets sexually penetrated by his enemies.

Now, you can dismiss the phrase as just political hyperbole; you can claim that it’s nothing more than an expression of frustration, disagreement, and dislike; you can assign it any meaning you want; but you cannot get away from what it really means.

You might also claim that since the person isn’t actually using the “F” word, it’s not really a curse. But Jesus taught in the Sermon on the Mount that it’s not just your words or actions that matter, but the intent of your heart. So if a Christian says, “Let’s go Brandon”, but what they really mean is “F-Joe Biden”, then what Jesus hears them saying is “F” Joe Biden.” That would be wrong whether it was said in reference to Joe Biden or Donald Trump, or about anyone else for that matter. The issue for us isn’t political preference, it’s Biblical behavior.

In Colossians 4:6 Paul taught us to use gracious language sprinkled with salt. The salt being referred to is not salty speech (profanity) but Biblical wisdom. We are to speak graciously and with Biblical wisdom. Likewise, James wrote, “With the tongue we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse people who are made in God’s likeness. Blessing and cursing come out of the same mouth. My brothers and sisters, these things should not be …” James 3:9-10

As the followers of Jesus Christ, we have personal responsibility (clearly revealed in Scripture), to use speech that honors God. We’re still free to voice our political opinions, and we can argue for our positions, but we cannot be hateful, hurtful, mean-spirited, or profane about it. We are not to use crude or profane language.

We’ll think more about this tomorrow.

God bless,
Pastor Jim