One of the clearest marks of authentic Christian faith is transformation. Scripture teaches that those who belong to Christ are made new. Old patterns are not simply accepted. They are surrendered and reshaped by the work of the Holy Spirit. When a church leader repeatedly admits that what comes out of their mouth is rude, and treats this as something unchangeable or inevitable, it raises serious concerns about spiritual responsibility and maturity.
Ephesians 4:29 instructs believers, “Let no foul or polluting language, nor evil word nor unwholesome or worthless talk ever come out of your mouth, but only such speech as is good and beneficial to the spiritual progress of others.” This is not a matter of personality but of obedience. Our words are not neutral. They either build up or tear down. Speech that is consistently rude or coarse is not a harmless personal trait. It is a spiritual issue that must be addressed, especially by those in positions of leadership.
Church leaders are entrusted with more than teaching. They are called to model the character of Christ. James 3:1 warns that those who teach will be judged more strictly. Titus 1:7 to 8 describes overseers as people who must be self-controlled, upright, and disciplined. A leader’s words help shape the environment of the church. If those words are regularly dismissive, cutting, or offensive, and this is treated lightly, it undermines both the gospel and the credibility of leadership.
Saying, “That is just how I am,” may sound like honesty, but it can serve as a way to avoid repentance. The gospel does not affirm every aspect of our natural selves. It transforms us into the likeness of Christ. Growth in speech is part of that transformation. The Holy Spirit convicts, renews, and empowers us to speak in ways that are good and beneficial to the spiritual progress of others.
Leaders must be willing to let even their speech come under the Lordship of Christ. Rudeness that is acknowledged but left unchecked is not humility. It is spiritual neglect. The church must respond with both truth and love. Not to condemn, but to call back to integrity. A leader who recognizes this weakness and seeks to grow sets a far better example than one who excuses it.
Transformation is not optional. It is essential to the life of every believer and especially vital for those who lead.
