A different tongue

I read today in Ephesians 4:29 "Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers." I'm amazed at the things I hear come from the mouths of those who proclaim to be Christian. The word Paul used for 'corrupt' is taken from the Greek word 'Sapros' which means 'worthless, poor quality, bad, putrid, unfit for use'. Our speech and our conversations should not mimic or compare to those of unbelievers. Yet it's hard to tell a difference anymore when standing among a group of people. I don't advocate that as Christians we mention the Lord's name every other word, or say "Thank you Jesus" every few minutes. I'm talking about our conversation in general and the words and phrases we use. I'm guilty of being edgy when I talk, sometimes using course words to describe things or to get my point across. Though I'm convinced it is the result of not growing up in a Christian family, I'm now a believer and therefore my words should reflect the influence of the Holy Spirit within my life and my thoughts. I also realize that I must be careful that I don't become legalistic in this pursuit. But though Paul in one place said that to a Christian, all things are lawful, he also finished it by saying, but not all things are convenient, or good. The above scripture ends by saying rather than speaking corrupt, bad, worthless things, we should speak things that edify and ministers grace to those within hearing distance. Whether in private or in public, my words should edify and minister grace. I'm not concerned about people feeling good about themselves when they are done talking to me, but I should be concerned about the effect of what I've said has had on them. Isn't it amazing that as Christians we have selective obedience when it comes to God's word? Like a great buffet set before us, we pick and choose the things that are easy for us to handle, and push aside the things that call for sacrifice and commitment. If I understand Ephesians correctly, people should not only know we are Christians by our lifestyle, but also by our conversation. Unfortunately most people only know we're Christian because we tell them, not because they have seen evidence of it in our lives. I say this pointing a finger at myself, for I'm as guilty as anyone, if not more so. James said "Faith without works is dead" and what he meant was that our faith in Christ is lived out daily in our walk and lifestyle, that includes our tongues too! And that my friends is the reality of it!