There is something remarkably powerful about the spoken word. For generations those who did not have the opportunity to learn to read and write would instead impart their histories through spoken word. Children delight in a parent’s voice repeating the words of their favorite books. Put to music, words can create something magical.
In the booklet For the Strength of Youth, put out by leaders of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (nicknamed the Mormon Church), we are taught about the power spoken words hold.
“Clean and intelligent language is evidence of a bright and wholesome mind…. When you use good language, you invite the Spirit to be with you” (For the Strength of Youth, p.22).
Have you ever thought about that, how using good, clean language can actually invite the Holy Ghost, or Holy Spirit, to be with you? The opposite is also true. Have you ever been around someone who swears, or uses crass language? Have you found yourself using these words yourself? Think for a moment about how you feel after hearing or using these words.
I recall hearing some pretty awful language waiting for my daughter to come out of school one day. My baby was sitting in her stroller, and I wanted to cover her ears it was so bad. I distinctly recall how it took me several days, as well as numerous prayers, to make the dark feeling go away after simply hearing the foul words. I could not imagine what it would do to my spirit to utter the words myself.
One of the most extraordinary statements I’ve ever read on the use of profanity came from a man who lived hundreds of years ago.
“The foolish and wicked practice of profane cursing and swearing is a vice so mean and low that every person of sense and character detests and despises it.”
–George Washington
That made me stop and think for a moment. There was a time when swearing actually characterized a person as ‘low.’ In fact, a man who chose to swear in front of a woman would be quickly reprimanded. Is it really something to be commended that we’ve come so far in the opposite direction since the time of President Washington?
Being able to control the words that come out of our mouths speaks volumes about the strength of our minds. I invite you to read James 3:2-13. Study these verses. Ponder what they mean. Think about the power you hold over your own thoughts and words.
The use of good language goes beyond swearing or vulgarity.
“Use language that uplifts, encourages, and compliments others. Do not insult others or put them down, even in joking. Speak kindly and positively about others so you can fulfill the Lord’s commandment to love one another” (For the Strength of Youth, p.22).
Could you imagine, even for an instant, the Lord putting someone down? Even in a joking manner? In recent years I’ve watched what the power of affirming words can do for a person, especially my own children. I’ve also seen what giving out a few uplifting words can do for those in my Young Women classes (girls 12-17 in the Latter-day Saints Church). Faces light up with the thoughts that someone considers them to be just that special. Have you ever had someone make you feel that way? What do you think it would be like to make others feel the same way? The great thing is, as we give the gift of positive words, it can only bless us as well.
If you don’t swear or use foul language, don’t let others influence you to do it. In fact, go a step further and help others to realize the blessings that come from being free from vulgarity.
“Choose friends who use good language. Help others around you use clean language by your example and by good-naturedly encouraging them to choose other words. Politely walk away or change the subject when others around you use bad language” (For the Strength of Youth, p.23)”
Youth in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints are encouraged to ‘Choose the Right’ from the time they are quite young. You too can become a leader and a great influence for good among your friends.
If you are one of those who swear, make the choice today to change. It can be as easy as replacing the bad habit with a good one. Every time you find yourself slipping, say a silent prayer that God will take the bad words from your mouth. Come up with other words to say instead. Before you know it, your language will become cleaner, and your spirit will feel lighter as well.
It’s never easy to change, but I can testify it is so worth it. Others around you may not understand your reasons and that’s okay. It’s not necessary for them to understand. Don’t let them sway you from doing something that can only make you happier. Odds are your friends might want to make the same change.
