Are trivial remarks a sin?

[Woody]

Consider this:

Quote:

" Accurately recorded in the books of heaven are the sneers and trivial remarks made by sinners who pay no heed to the call of mercy when Christ is represented to them by a servant of God. As the artist takes on the polished glass a true picture of a human face, so God daily places upon the books of heaven an exact representation of the character of every individual." (MS 105, 1901). 4BC 1171.7

[ClubV12]

One of the reasons I decided to sell my custom car was that much of the conversation that comes with the territory is just filled with common phrases and trivial remarks. It's a very "macho" worldly kind of talk that is impossible to escape. For me, like an alcoholic perhaps, I have to remove myself from that climate entirely. At least for now, as I find myself quickly caught up in it and it feels uncomfortable.

These days I find great delight in a conversation about eternal things and much less so with a conversation centered around, "So, how fast does it go?" I have a huge tool bag of trivial and snide remarks for THAT oft' asked question (a tool box I'm trying to loose). :)

[Gail]

One of the reasons I decided to sell my custom car was that much of the conversation that comes with the territory is just filled with common phrases and trivial remarks. It's a very "macho" worldly kind of talk that is impossible to escape. For me, like an alcoholic perhaps, I have to remove myself from that climate entirely. At least for now, as I find myself quickly caught up in it and it feels uncomfortable.

These days I find great delight in a conversation about eternal things and much less so with a conversation centered around, "So, how fast does it go?" I have a huge tool bag of trivial and snide remarks for THAT oft' asked question (a tool box I'm trying to loose).

That is a change from God that you can see. Praise the Lord :)

[phkrause]

Consider this:

Quote:

" Accurately recorded in the books of heaven are the sneers and trivial remarks made by sinners who pay no heed to the call of mercy when Christ is represented to them by a servant of God. As the artist takes on the polished glass a true picture of a human face, so God daily places upon the books of heaven an exact representation of the character of every individual." (MS 105, 1901). 4BC 1171.7

Kind of scary when you think about it! I suppose this means something different to each sinner? I would say that not all trivial talk is a sin. If you actually look at what she's saying, she says "who pay no heed to the call of mercy when Christ is represented to them." That in it self is worth taking to heart. Because I would say that most if not all of us talk trivial talk! And the word "sneers" is rather interesting also.

[karl]

It seems in this quote that the trivial talk is to cover their deliberate rejection of the call to repentance.

[ClubV12]

Karl, on reflecting on the quote I believe your spot on.

I find it interesting how in Ellen Whites writings, like the bible, we can see different principles at play in our life. It's not unlike the "word" speaking to us.

Another thought I had was a trivial remark made during the sabbath school lesson that tends to derail the lesson. At the same time Sabbath school and the christian walk also needs to be fun. Like so many things, it's a constant balancing act.

[karl]

One of the reasons I decided to sell my custom car was that much of the conversation that comes with the territory is just filled with common phrases and trivial remarks. ...

These days I find great delight in a conversation about eternal things and much less so with a conversation centered around, "So, how fast does it go?"

I was going to by a used vette. Had it all rationalized out. When you buy them around $12,000 they don't seem to go down much unless you wreck them or don't do the upkeep. I was planning to get really cool transportation for the price of gas alone.

Then I got to thinking the way you did above. I didn't want my car to get in the way of eternal things or eternal conversations. So, I got the non-descript puddle-jumper instead. It works, but... the vette was sooooo pretty.

[Woody]

Quote:

So, I got the non-descript puddle-jumper instead. It works, but... the vette was sooooo pretty.

This brings me to the question - Does God like 'pretty'?

[ClubV12]

Thats a good question to reflect on Woody. I still admire a nice piece of art work or sculpture. When it comes to cars I appreciate certain lines and style. There's a lady who drive a Saturn Sky to church, deep shiny black. Man I just like to look at that thing! It really does have nice lines and the deep black is so well done. I don't covet that car, I just appreciate it! Another guy drives a Vette, a nice year, I like the lines on that too. 65 Mustang? Truly a classic, I still enjoy seeing them around. I could see justifying a used Vette for some guys.

Now take that $12,000 Vette (thats gets pretty good mpg) and customize it for racing (now 6 mpg). You'll be into it for $50,000 in a hurry. Try justify THAT!

I sure hope God doesn't ask me to give up the Mercedes too! Ha Ha, but it's HIS car, so I'm OK with that.

[Woody]

ClubV12 - Man ... I'm just lookin' anywhere I can to try and find an excuse and justification for you. I really feel your pain.

[ClubV12]

Keep digging Woody, the car is listed but hasn't sold yet! Do you see any light at the end of the tunnel? Or will you just come up muddy from digging to deep?

Me? Man I got mud all over me, had to quit digging.