Friday, August 26, 2005

P-U!


Being a home-based writer gives me freedom from dealing with a lot of junk in public or the average work place. (I was reminded of it last week when stuck on a bus near a couple of foul-mouthed adults.) One thing I love about working at home is NOT having to listen to off-color jokes and conversation. I know that teens don’t always have that option.

Have you ever sat at the lunch table at school, trapped between two people telling dirty jokes or making indecent comments? Maybe it happened to you at someone’s sleepover, at the mall, or in the theater waiting for a movie to start. Wanting badly to fit in, sometimes we’re tempted to join the foolish talk or laugh at the dirty stories. Other times we choose to say nothing. Not cool either. Being quiet and just listening while others use foul talk is not what God wants for you.

“Obscene stories, foolish talk, and coarse jokes—these are not for you. Instead, let there be thankfulness to God.”—Ephesians 5:4 (NLT)

What can you do if you get trapped in such situations? Be gutsy. Speak up against the foul talk. Others may be uncomfortable with it as well, and they’ll be glad you said something. If the coarse jokes continue, then avoid these people. They are not the kind of friends God wants for you.

Maybe you have trouble turning aside from off-color stories and talk. If talking this way is a real temptation for you, perhaps you have a “heart condition” and need a check-up. “For out of the overflow of the heart the mouth speaks.” (Matthew 12:34 NIV) Fill your heart with good, positive thoughts from God’s Word, for this will determine your own words.

(from No Boys Allowed devotional for girls, Zondervan)

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