Soap Language

By CHERYL CRUCE

Growing up, I recall the phrase “soap language.” I do not ever remember the taste of a soap bar; the threat of it was enough to keep me mindful of my words. I do not remember any of us being punished much for our speech or behavior in our growing years. It seems that Mom and Dad ruled with a quiet authority tempered with love. We grew up respecting our parents and each other.
We didn’t know much about the world beyond our neighborhood. The telephone was connected to the wall with party line capability. A party line meant one could carefully pick up the phone and hear a neighbor’s conversation. I did that once, and Mom walked by, took the phone, interrupted the conversation, and then handed it back to me to apologize for listening in. The embarrassment taught me to respect the privacy of others. Today, there is a phone in every pocket.
The television was in the center of the living room with one channel. If the wind blew, Dad would have to readjust the antenna for the station to come in. The one channel carried local and world news. The news consisted of facts, not opinions, with a simple “And that’s the way it was” sign-off. Lucille Ball and Andy Griffith were our comic relief. Perry Mason filled our need for suspense. Hanna-Barbera entertained us on Saturday mornings. Today, every phone has television capability with YouTube and other social media sites.
The Psalmist writes of the Lord, “How long will you hide your face from me, will you forget me forever?” (Psalm 13:1) I do not believe God forgets us; I think He doesn’t want to hear our language. Soap language is everywhere. We learn in Ephesians 4 that we should not engage in unwholesome talk. Our speech should build others up, creating hope in their spirit. Our bitterness and rage should be replaced with compassion and forgiveness. Bitterness, rage, and misspoken words grieve the Holy Spirit.
There is a lot to be said for pleasant language. Pleasing words are like a honeycomb, adding sweetness to the soul and health of a man’s bones (Proverbs 16:30)? Our lives could use a little sweetness. Instead of using a multitude of words and falling into sin, we might consider remaining silent carefully choosing our words as wise and Godly people. (Proverbs 10:19). Scripture reads that we will give an account for every idle word spoken. Our words have the power to defend and to condemn (Matthew 12:36).
“What we say is important… for in most cases, the mouth speaks what the heart is full of (Jim Beggs).”
The issue is not our words alone but what we pour into our hearts. Scripture teaches us the same. Every occurrence around us has the potential to penetrate our spirit. The choice becomes ours.
Are we exposing our souls to light or darkness? Are we speaking good, or are we speaking evil? Are we lifting up or tearing down?
As children, we were not exposed to the outside world. We were in church, learning the truth of God’s word and living accordingly.
Soap language was words we never heard; therefore, they were never spoken. I know the internet is here to stay. So is the Word of God; let us tip the scales toward Him.                                                                    
A good man brings good things out of the good stored up in his heart, and an evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in his heart. For the mouth speaks what the heart is full of. Luke 6:45

Cheryl Mixon-Cruce is Pastor of Ochlockonee Bay United Methodist Church and Sopchoppy United Methodist Church.