We’ve all heard it. The monotone “bleep” noise when someone on the TV let’s a swear leak out. Sometimes it is followed by a laugh track sound bit which triggers the audience to search the dialogue for the joke. Sometimes it is pretty tempting to laugh at it, even though you know you probably shouldn’t. What if we had that noise to “bleep” out any dirty joke we heard? Would it be easier to understand what is harmful to your spirit? Would you choose to get rid of those things? Or would it be hard not to laugh?
Dirty jokes are the worst. They usually end up as cheap humor used to gain attention rather than humor that is actually funny and uplifting. They are offensive to God as they defile sexuality, one of the greatest gifts He has ever given to us. And when we participate in them, either by telling them or choosing to laugh, we distance ourselves from him. When he tells us that, “…that which cometh out of the mouth, this defileth a man.” (Matthew 15:11), he is saying that our words have consequences. And choosing words and jokes that are dirty make it harder to feel close to God. You also can offend God when you are putting down people or their bodies. Stop shaming blonde people! Or those who are a bit larger than others! Or those that don’t look like you! Stop shaming women! Stop shaming men! We are so blessed to have bodies and we should be grateful for them. When we use humor or our words to put down others, we are not living up to our assignment to, “be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation… [and] in purity” (1 Timothy 4:12).
After all having clean language is much more than not swearing. It is building others up, becoming voices for virtue, and it shows respect for God. It can be a calming voice in an angry environment or a firm proclamation that you will not participate in that. When you use your voice and your words to worship God and what he created, you will be closer to Him. This will fill you with more joy than that joke ever could have brought you!
If this is a struggle for you, there is always hope to change. God loves all of us so much, even if we make some dumb decisions. He wants to be close to us so He can help us be as happy as we can be. If you have made dirty jokes or have put down other people in the past, make up your mind to change. Apologize to God and to those who might have been hurt by your words. You can do this! And if you have laughed at these things before, make the decision now to leave this behind so you can be closer to God. He loves you and you will lead others to Him too.
