There are so many things going on right now that grieve my spirit from people who profess to be Christians. Hateful language fills social media pages. Immoral lifestyles are flaunted as being normal. The sanctity of marriage is being tossed out the window while adulterous lifestyles are glorified. Biblical truths have become relegated to a place of lesser importance than current fads or traditions. It’s almost like, “If it feels good, do it.”

Let me begin this devotion by asking this question. Should we be more concerned with fitting in with the world or with pleasing God? Ephesians 4:1 says, “Walk worthy of the calling to which you were called.” What does the world think when they see us or hear us? Ephesians 4:22 says, “Put off concerning the former conversation, the old man, which is corrupt, according to deceitful lusts.” It’s interesting to me that the word “conversation” is frequently used to refer to our lifestyle, the way we live. Part of the way we live is how we talk. James 3:9-10, “Out of the same mouth proceed blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not to be so.” James follows that in the next verse by saying that sweet water and bitter water cannot come from the same fountain. Colossians 3:8 says, “But now you yourselves are to put off all these: anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy language out of your mouth.”

I see people who are supposed to be Christians rearranging a few letters in a word so that it will not appear to be profanity, but a child can understand what they are saying. We are living in a time when there is little to no difference between those who go to church and those who don’t, and everyone is confused. The last verse of the Book of Judges is being played out in our day: “Every man did that which was right in his own eyes. Christians are supposed to set an example of holy living. What message do our words convey to those listening to us?