The group forces you to hear a joke. You don’t want to violate your Christian-sensitive ears with filth. You’ve heard this brand of joke referred to as offcolor or “not for mixed company.”
Acceptable “community norms” delight in foul stories. You know it will include sexual references using vulgar terms, and may even use Jesus’ holy name. It will surely contain a mix of four-letter words.
Does God’s Word say anything about this kind of “humor”?
You’ve heard it on the job, on TV shows, and in movies, whether in school, during a party, or with close friends.
How will your Christian ears respond? Will you laugh along with the crowd as they insult your Lord? You might simply turn and walk away. Later, you may speak privately to the storyteller, saying, “I don’t appreciate that kind of foolish conversation!” How do you react?
You don’t want to confront anyone with insults. Approach them “with gentleness and respect” (1 Peter 3:15). You can kindly explain yourself.
Explain that raunchy “humor” is no longer acceptable to you.
What would the Lord say about your response? “But… rid yourselves of all of them: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and obscene speech from your mouth.” (Colossians 3:8).
That’s hard to do if you participate and show silent approval by joining in the laughter. What’s more important to you: showing acceptance for ungodly behavior, or standing up for the Lord? Jesus does not approve of filthy talk!
“Therefore, if you have been raised with Christ, keep seeking the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on the things that are above, not on the things that are on earth…For it is because of these things that the wrath of God is coming upon the sons of disobedience. Set your minds on the things that are above, not on the things that are on earth. Rid yourselves of all of them: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and obscene speech from your mouth.” (Colossians 3:1-2, 5-8) If you believe that Jesus died on the cross to take away your sins, leave them there. Repent!
When you keep sinning, you crucify Jesus over and over again. “For…in the case of those who have once been enlightened and have tasted of the heavenly gift and have been made partakers of the Holy Spirit, and have tasted the good word of God…and then have fallen away…they again crucify to themselves the Son of God and put Him to open shame” (Hebrews 6:4-6). You need forgiveness in Jesus!
Stop approving the behavior of the world! Repent! Do what Jesus expects of you!