A problem I have

I have a problem of sorts. It isn't a big problem but it is a problem, none the less.

In my past, I've worked in places or in jobs that it is normal for most people involved to cuss or swear.
The military and Information Technology are both jobs that during a normal day, SOMEONE is going to use  "colorful language".  It could be jubilation that an engine went back in a piece of equipment easily or because the program you just spent the last month writing, compiled with no errors.   It just as easily could be having your big toe smashed when someone dropped a car battery on it by accident or someone just accidentally erased the WHOLE configuration on the Core Switch on your computer network and now the WHOLE flipping network is down and the phones (notice the "s") around you are now ringing off the hook because users can no longer work because their network connection just died by no fault of their own.

Trust me on this, all the above things will makes words suddenly come out of your mouth  that would make a sailor blush.  If you walk into a mechanic shop or an I.T. department and no one is swearing any at all. something is VERY wrong. Things have gotten SO bad and the problems SO big that all of their concentration is on fixing the problem and they couldn't say anything if they tried at that moment.... and if you tried to talk to them at that moment, you would only get "er.....um....eh....they can help you in the next room, I am REALLY busy" and back to work they would go and weeks later they would have no idea you had even been there at that time.

At this point, I have given my life back to God and his work. I have joined a wonderful church and I've really been amazed at The Lord's hand in my life.  I've been given a gift of being able to see being a Christian from older eyes and things have been going pretty well.....it hasn't been perfect but life has been better and I'm very happy about it. I'm not beating myself up over every little sin and I have been far more reflective in my thoughts about my actions BUT my "lose lips" will sink this ship of mine if I don't get a handle on my "colorful language".

The week after we joined the church, I was driving to work one morning when someone cut me off in traffic. For me to say that there was a "hair's worth" of space between our cars would be generous of me. The first thing out of my mouth "JESUS CHRIST"...and I NEVER say or said that even when I wasn't going to church or trying to live a committed life.  I might have backslid for a long time but I never joked about or made lite of God.  God is "bigger" than me and at the very least deserved/deserves my respect.

I have often said "I don't care how religious you are, if you stub your toe walking through the house at 2:00am and you DON'T say "DAMN" there is something wrong with you".....There are situations where saying "verily verily" just doesn't cut it, if you know what I mean. Even the late Grady Nut (a great Baptist comedian who died way too soon) thought Christians should have some ventilation language. He proposed using the words "blotchy" and "boogly"  as in  "Get your blotchy feet off my boogly bed!"....

James 3:2-10 says: "For we all stumble in many ways. And if anyone does not stumble in what he says, he is a perfect man, able also to bridle his whole body. If we put bits into the mouths of horses so that they obey us, we guide their whole bodies as well. Look at the ships also: though they are so large and are driven by strong winds, they are guided by a very small rudder wherever the will of the pilot directs. So also the tongue is a small member, yet it boasts of great things. How great a forest is set ablaze by such a small fire! And the tongue is a fire, a world of unrighteousness. The tongue is set among our members, staining the whole body, setting on fire the entire course of life, and set on fire by hell. ... "

 also James 1:26 says: "If anyone thinks he is religious and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his heart, this person's religion is worthless."

Well....that was very direct and to the point.  I'm very thankful I have the faith of a grain of mustard seed cuz I'm going to need it.

I've always heard that admitting you have a problem is the first step to recovery.

I have a problem but the good Lord knows I need help.  It will all work out.

J.