Banned

Banned books. There have been many throughout history and continue to be.

For Americans, the very idea of having something banned seems revolting.

As a matter of fact, freedom of speech is included in the first amendment of the National Constitution! So why, would a book be censored?

To answer your question, I say-

That’s not important right now. Not for this conversation, at least. I am merely going to suggest to the Christian-

Perhaps there are times we should censor ourselves.

This thought has popped in my head as I read a book titled Banned Books by Dorling Kindersley Publishing. It was early in the work that there was discussion on the famed banned book, The Decameron. This work was written in the 1370’s and was frequently condemned for its innuendos, sexual references, and irreverent content.

Nonetheless, its author Giovanni Boccaccio defended his writing in saying,

“Nothing is so indecent that it cannot be said to another person if the proper words are used to convey it.”

Now let us play a comparison game with a book that many have tried to ban and censor for thousands of years. Catch the difference in this quote.

“Let your speech be always with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man.”

Have you seen this quote before? For many, many, many years this book has been scrutinized as well but still remains flawless!

It’s called the Holy Bible and was written by inspiration of the Holy Spirit! This quote is penned by the Apostle Paul in Colossians 4:6.

Upon comparing the quotes, you may notice that they say two vastly different things. Boccaccio desires justification for the indecent and Paul desires graceful, restrained speech uplifting to every person!

As a Christian, I can confidently say your preferred view should be that of Paul. Because yes, speech matters.

Need an example? Let us look to 1 Timothy 1:18-20:

“This charge I commit unto thee, son Timothy, according to the prophecies which went before on thee, that thou by them mightest war a good warfare;

Holding faith, and a good conscience; which some having put away concerning faith have made shipwreck:

Of whom is Hymenaeus and Alexander; whom I have delivered unto Satan, that they may learn not to blaspheme.”

Godly faith comes with a good conscience and controlled tongue. Many have heard, “loose lips, sink ships.” Truly, these men’s loose lips, shipwrecked their faith.

We should not live in tactful vileness but rather edifying faithfulness.

Consider this as you journey through this life!

“Let your speech be always with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man” (Colossians 4:6).