by Ron Smith

Then said I, Woe is me! for I am undone; because I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips: for mine eyes have seen the King, the LORD of hosts.  Isaiah 6:5 (KJV)

I was working as a painting contractor for a homebuilder. George would come around daily to oversee the work being done. He was friendly and easy to kid around with; however, he had a habit of telling vulgar jokes.

The first time he told one, I gave a half-hearted chuckle that literally stuck in my throat. I couldn’t even look him in the eyes.

After praying about the problem, I felt impressed to take a stand.

So the next day when George showed up, I was prepared with my response. “George,” I said firmly, but without condemnation, “I’m a Christian, and I don’t think God would like us to be listening to or telling dirty jokes.” He tried to laugh off my boldness, but he finally gave up.

I felt better about having had the courage and wisdom to confront him, and I felt the strength of the Lord backing me up.

The next day George launched into one of his jokes when several workmen were eating sack lunches. I prepared to make a swift exit, but before I could, George stopped the joke and said, “Whoops, I forgot Ron doesn’t want to hear dirty jokes. So I won’t tell it while he’s here.”

To this day I don’t hesitate to confront people attempting to tell me inappropriate jokes. A bigger threat has been gossip. But I confront it in the same way. I call it sin and run from it. God’s Spirit does the rest.

Is there a situation in your life where you need to take a stand?