- Blog By Adrian (Voorhees) Martin

I love when people have a sense of humor. In a lot of ways I tend to be introverted, but when I am with close friends and family is when I feel the most comfortable to let my sense of humor show. I enjoy laughing with both my family and my husband’s family. In some ways they way we interact can be defined as being with some “snark”. We can “tease” and “roast” a family member and they will throw it right back at you. It’s typically lighthearted and in a weird way how we show affection. 

While I don’t have a problem with this type of interaction in some cases, I do believe that there are times when it is not ok and can be downright sinful. I will be the first to admit that sometimes this is an area I struggle with. I believe that I am responsible for the way I react verbally to my peers, pastor, children, and husband. I need to be careful that I don’t allow my mouth and attitude of destruction to be disguised as trying to be “funny”. I recently was listening to an audio book and a phrase the author said that made a convicting impact was that “Scriptural truth wins over snark”. 

You know what I realized? The scripture telling me to use kind, edifying words with my brothers and sisters in Christ wins over harsh and snarky responses. I am to use kind words towards my children rather than impatient and smart responses towards them. Choosing to make digs at my husband when I want to highlight his shortcomings or when I am frustrated isn’t loving, edifying, or respectful. These Christlike responses are NOT natural to me. I have to choose to die daily to these responses and choose to use words that mirror the love of Christ. 

How can I and others learn to break the sin habit and allow biblical speech to reign in our lives?

1. Memorize Scripture

Proverbs 16:24 - Pleasant words are as an honeycomb, sweet to the soul, and health to the bones.

If I have verses on my heart about my speech, it will be God’s word that guides and controls my mouth. Memorizing verses about speech helps to set your focus on using godliness in how you speak.

1. Pray for Holy Spirit Control

Psalms 141:3 - Set a watch, O LORD, before my mouth; keep the door of my lips.

We will never be given a “no” answer when we are asking for something that God already expects from us. If we humble ourselves and ask for control, the Holy Spirit  is willing and able to be sufficient where we are weak. 

1. Be Intentional

Colossians 3:17 - And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.

Make a personal choice to not use snark as a way to cover up being intentionally sinful with your mouth. Make that choice to die to fleshly responses.  If you do sin, then own up. Confess to the Lord and apologize to whom you have tresspassed. Then allow His grace to cover you and continue to work towards kind and loving speech.

Yes, humorous responses have a place at times. It is when we allow ourselves to use it as an excuse to sin that the problem begins. Allow your speech to point others to Jesus and to edify those around you. Choose to allow holiness to take precedence.