Learn, Turn, and Start Again! Ready But among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed, because these are improper for God’s holy people. Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving. For of this you can be sure: No immoral, impure or greedy person—such a person is an idolater—has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God. Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of such things God’s wrath comes on those who are disobedient. Therefore do not be partners with them. Ephesians 5:3-7 Set We communicate and impact others in many ways these days. Verbally, email, social media, and texting are just a few of the ways. These are opportunities to give thanks to God and encourage and build up others. These are also opportunities to dishonor God and discourage and tear others down. The good news is if you have been misusing your opportunities, God allows you to Learn, Turn, and Start Again! Let's learn from God first! Coarse jesting, sexual innuendos, and crude joking are attempts to elicit laughs and attention by crossing the line into impropriety. The use of foul language or rude or racist comments means that a so-called joke had to appeal to our sin nature in order to earn laughs. There is even a term in sports for this, "locker room" humor. Such terms attempt to deceive and normalize bad behavior. What does God teach us about this subject? Actually, God is very clear and strongly warns us about this. Once again: Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving. For of this you can be sure: No immoral, impure or greedy person—such a person is an idolater—has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God. Ephesians 5:4-5 This is serious. We are walking temples, dedicated to the glory of God. From our mouths should come worship and praise, edification and encouragement, truth and blessing. As God continues to teach us: With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse human beings, who have been made in God’s likeness. Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers and sisters, this should not be. James 3:9-10 And again: Those who consider themselves religious and yet do not keep a tight rein on their tongues deceive themselves, and their religion is worthless. James 1:26 God teaches us, in everything we do, we should seek to glorify God. Another one: So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God. Do not cause anyone to stumble, whether Jews, Greeks or the church of God— even as I try to please everyone in every way. For I am not seeking my own good but the good of many, so that they may be saved. 1 Corinthians 10:31-33 This includes our joke-telling and attempts at humor. Laughter is great, but we need to control our own words and judge whether or not they belong in a body that houses the Holy Spirit. Try this for yourself: Close your eyes and imagine receiving an encouraging and positive text from a teammate. How do you feel? Uplifted? Now close your eyes and imagine reading a coarse joke or obscene language. How do you feel? Uplifted? Which makes you feel better? Remember, when you send a coarse joke or obscene language that is what you are making others feel. That is real. Some may respond with an emoji or thumbs up, but the damage to them and yourself is real regardless. These are your teammates in sports and in life. Ask yourself this: Would Jesus find humor in foul language, demeaning jabs, or sexual innuendos? Of course not. Part of maturing in Christ is learning to control ourselves. Some people try to give themselves a pass, saying, “it’s just a joke.” But God addresses that too! Like a maniac shooting flaming arrows of death is one who deceives their neighbor and says, “I was only joking!” Proverbs 26:19 People who rely on inappropriate, coarse joking, and sexual innuendos to get laughs are only demonstrating their lack of creativity and intelligence. They must make people uncomfortable to hold their attention, and that is not a mark of skill or excellence. That hurts you and it hurts your team. Fortunately, if we choose to follow Jesus, we can Learn, Turn, and Start Again! Do it today! Go 1) Reflect on how you have used the gifts God has given you to communicate with others. Would you be proud to say that or text that to Jesus? 2) If the answer above is no, then simply stop. Control your own behavior and then know this, Jesus offers you Grace and Forgiveness if you trust in him and strive to do better. God Loves You! 3) Reflect on how you have reacted when others have told you or sent you coarse jokes, sexual innuendos, or obscene language. Have you asked them to stop it? Remember, your silence is your acceptance. Be a leader next time. Do so for them, for you, and for your teammates. Most importantly, do so for God. Overtime Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will. Romans 12:1-2 Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you. Philippians 4:8-9