Speaking Like Christ in a Culture That Doesn’t

America Has a Potty Mouth

A Biblical Look at the Language We Use

The other day, I sat down to watch a superhero show with my kids.

Like many parents, I was looking forward to it. It seemed like something we could enjoy together—something clean, something exciting, something fun. It was even on a platform that, at its core, was designed to be family-friendly.

But it didn’t take long before that expectation was shattered.

The language was constant. The use of the f-word was excessive—casual, frequent, and completely unnecessary. What should have been an enjoyable family moment turned into disappointment. We ended up turning it off.

And honestly, it didn’t stop there.

I’ve heard the same language from public leaders—spoken openly, almost proudly. I experienced it again recently while trying to purchase something, when the salesperson casually used the same language as if it were completely normal.

That’s the problem.

It is becoming normal.

And that should deeply concern us—especially as believers.

What Is Profane Speaking? (Biblical Definition)

When we talk about “profane” speech, we’re not just talking about a list of bad words.

Biblically, profane means something that is common, unholy, or treated without reverence.

Profane speaking includes:

• Crude and vulgar language

• Taking holy things lightly

• Speech that dishonors God

• Words that tear others down

• Communication that reflects a worldly heart

Scripture says:

“But now ye also put off all these; anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy communication out of your mouth.” — Colossians 3:8 (KJV)

“Filthy communication” is exactly what we are seeing everywhere today—speech that is unclean, careless, and completely out of line with a holy God.

How Did We Get Here?

The shift didn’t happen overnight.

What was once shocking… became tolerated.
What was tolerated… became common.
What is common… is now celebrated.

Media, entertainment, and culture have normalized profanity to the point that:

• It’s expected in shows and movies

• It’s used for humor

• It’s part of everyday conversation

• It’s no longer questioned

But just because something is normal… doesn’t mean it’s right.

“And be not conformed to this world…” — Romans 12:2 (KJV)

The Real Issue: The Heart

Jesus made it clear that our words are not random:

“For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh.” — Matthew 12:34 (KJV)

We don’t just “slip up” into filthy language.
We speak from what fills us.

If profanity flows easily from our mouth, it reveals something deeper:
our heart has become comfortable with what God calls unclean.

The Standard for the Believer

God sets a completely different expectation for His people:

“Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying…” — Ephesians 4:29 (KJV)

That means:

• Not some corrupt communication

• Not occasional corrupt communication

• No corrupt communication

Our words should:

• Build up, not tear down

• Be clean, not crude

• Reflect Christ, not culture

When Christians Blend In

One of the greatest dangers today is not just that the world speaks this way—

It’s that Christians are starting to sound the same.

We laugh at it.
We repeat it.
We excuse it.
We justify it.

But Scripture calls us to stand apart:

“Among whom ye shine as lights…” — Philippians 2:15 (KJV)

You cannot shine brightly
if your speech blends into the darkness.

Words Matter More Than We Think

The Bible is clear:

“Death and life are in the power of the tongue…” — Proverbs 18:21 (KJV)

Your words:

• Shape your testimony

• Influence your children

• Impact your relationships

• Reflect your walk with God

The way we speak is not a small issue—it is a spiritual one.

We Need to Clean Our Mouths

That’s the conclusion I came to after that moment with my kids.

Not just culture.
Not just media.
Us.

We need to clean our mouths.

Not because we’re trying to appear better…
but because we belong to Christ.

“Be ye holy in all manner of conversation…” — 1 Peter 1:15 (KJV)

Holiness is not just what people see—
it’s what they hear.

Practical Steps Forward

• Guard what you watch and listen to
  If it fills your mind, it will eventually fill your mouth.

• Be intentional with your words
  Don’t let culture set your vocabulary.

• Correct it quickly
  When you say something wrong—acknowledge it and fix it.

• Lead your home well
  Especially with your children watching and listening.

• Ask this daily question:
  Do my words reflect Christ?

Final Thought

America may have a potty mouth…

But the people of God are called to something higher.

In a world where filthy language is normal,
clean speech becomes a powerful testimony.

So before you speak today, ask yourself:

Am I echoing the culture…
or representing my Savior?