Have you ever said a dirty word?
I’ve uttered a few in my day. Not particularly proud of that, but it’s the truth. I remember repeating a couple of words I’d heard on the playground in front of my mother. I still remember her expression, a look of outright shock and horror. She arched her eyebrows as only she could and sternly warned that we didn’t talk that way. She certainly didn’t raise me to speak in such common manner.
I wish I’d learned my lesson. In high school, I continually struggled to tame my tongue. I was the “put-down” king. I was great at making fun of other people to make me look good. I still feel pangs of guilt when I think about the things I said to and about some people.
I’m sure my struggles are not uncommon. I know many people like me wrestle to “let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt…” (Col. 4:6). It’s a constant struggle, taming the tongue.
But I think there are two words that must be especially obscene in the ears of the LORD.
In Exodus 3, Moses receives a special call from God. The God of Israel speaks to him from the burning bush, commanding him to remove his sandals, thereby honoring the holiness of the moment. The place is not holy because of the bush. Rather, the presence of God imparts holiness. Where the LORD is, holiness follows. Yahweh then commissions Moses with a unique task: “So now, go. I am sending you to Pharoah to bring my people the Israelites out of Egypt.”
Yet, Moses balks. Claims he’s unfit for such a job. Says he needs to know God’s name. Argues that he’s not a great public speaker.
In short, he says the two “dirtiest” words he could say to God.
I CAN’T…
Moses failed to realize his call had less to do with his own ability and more to do with the empowerment of God. The God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob was making himself present to deliver His people. When Moses said “I can’t,” he was in effect limiting the power of God to work through him to accomplish His purposes.
It’s not about what you can or can’t do, Moses. It’s about what I can and will do through you.
Sometimes I need to be reminded of that, too.
already & not yet 
Never have truer words rung so loudly. I think too often we doubt our ability, and in return, doubt God’s ability to work through us.
One time in like first grade, before I knew any better, I saw a particularly dirty word written on a seat of my bus, and I thought it was Chinese. So I thought I’d be really cool and show off my new mad Chinese-speaking skills to my friends. i ended up showing them to the principal too, and he told my parents about it. But they thought it was kinda funny. I wasn’t allowed to speak Chinese anymore though. Jason where are you sitting at the concert? We’re in 107A. I think we’re gonna end up getting there right at 7, so I don’t know what your plans are but maybe we could get together after the show?
Dan,Not sure what section we’re in. I’ll give you a call at the show. We’ll probably roll in right at 7, too. See ya.