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You Shall Not Commit Adultery
The Westminster Shorter Catechism states that the seventh commandment “requireth the preservation of our own and our neighbor’s chastity, in heart, speech, and behavior” (Q&A 71). Said differently, the seventh commandment calls for more than mere restraint from sexual activity outside the one-flesh union of marriage. It also calls for sexual purity in thought and speech. As once-taboo expressions of sexuality become mainstream, and as colleagues, friends, and even family members share news of a pending “no fault” divorce or a same-sex or cohabiting heterosexual relationship, more and more Christians—especially when friendships and family ties hang in the balance—feel an … View Resource
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Sticks and Stones
“Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words can never hurt me.” Really? Let’s not kid ourselves. Words are potent. Words start with God, who spoke galaxies into being. “God said … and there was” (Gen. 1:3). God’s words have impact (Isa. 55:11); are living, active, and sharp (Heb. 4:12); illuminate dark places (Ps. 119:105); nourish souls (Matt. 4:4); and defeat death (Luke 11:43). The words of the gospel are “the power of God.” To a lesser but significant degree, our words have power also. Our words transfer ideas. They can heal. And they can “hurt me.” … View Resource
Scott Sauls
Rev. Scott Sauls is senior pastor of Christ Presbyterian Church in Nashville, Tenn., and author of Jesus Outside the Lines: A Way Forward for Those Who Are Tired of Taking Sides. He is on Twitter @ScottSauls.
