I've been thinking about what Paul wrote in the Bible when he said he "became all things to all people" so that, in doing so, he could more easily lead those people to Christ. And I've been wondering, from a purely practical standpoint, how to do that in my own life.
I am not someone who curses or likes to hear it. Have I sometimes thought those words? Yes, and I hate admitting that, but it's the truth. But I do not say those words. Some people think they're just words, and they're only "bad" because of the connotation we associate with them, but in my book, if there's a connotation to them, then I'm not going to use them. It goes back to the whole "don't cause other people to sin" with what you do, say, act, or wear.
I say all that because I wonder if I'm supposed to knowingly put myself in situations where there's a lot of cursing in order to develop a relationship that could be used to glorify God and potentially lead that person to Christ. Cursing's not the only thing I try to keep myself away from, but it's one that everybody is aware of. So, how do I do this? How do I forge relationships with people who do things I don't care for?
I know, I know, I sound like a horrible prude, but then when I factor in my son, it just gets worse. I don't want to expose my child to cursing or smoking or drinking because I don't want him to know about these things until he's old enough for us to have a conversation about them. Do I follow God's command or do I protect my son? Of course, I follow God's command, but God also says to train up our children in the way they should go (in following God and His commands.)
I really think Satan figures out our soft spots (our children) quite easily. He knows that we moms wouldn't put our children in situations that could cause them to be led astray, and so he creates fear in us to keep us from "corrupting our children" when in reality, he's really keeping us from spreading the gospel.
I know I must turn this over to God, and I must give Him my son and his safety, but it's so hard! I want to be in control and know what's going to happen and when it's going to happen, but to do that means to usurp God's power, and that is not a place I want to be. God, only You can help me; help me to do everything You want me to do! And help me to be everything You want me to be!