The Ugliest Word in the English Language

            What is the ugliest word in the English language? To be sure, hundreds of dictionary entries would be likely candidates if such a thing as an “ugliest word” contest existed. Crude terminology would be considered. Disrespectful insults surely would deserve attention.  Hateful, pejorative names for other people groups without a doubt would find themselves near the top. Certainly four letter words would make the short list, but ultimately they would not make the final cut.

            The ugliest word in the English language actually is twice as long as any four letter word. What could this horrendous, perilous expression be?  The word is “tomorrow.” But “tomorrow” seems to harmless; what warrants such a harsh classification? The reason is that for most individuals, tomorrow never arrives.

            The unbeliever who is considering a relationship with Christ will find that the enemy implants the word “tomorrow” into his or her mind so that the decision might be deferred. In the meantime, the enemy hopes that the unbeliever’s desire will be cooled, or perhaps that unexpected death will hurl him or her into a Christ-less eternity where there is no hope of redemption. The Bible declares that we should not put off this important decision until tomorrow: 

"AT THE ACCEPTABLE TIME I LISTENED TO YOU, AND ON THE DAY OF SALVATION I HELPED YOU." Behold, now is "THE ACCEPTABLE TIME," behold, now is "THE DAY OF SALVATION." (2 Corinthians 6:2)

            The believer who desires to walk more closely with Christ will find that “tomorrow” always seems like the perfect time to begin. “Tomorrow I will begin to read the Bible more.” “Tomorrow I will pray more fervently.” “Tomorrow I will reject the ungodly things in my life. “Tomorrow I will take church attendance more seriously.” “Tomorrow I will more faithfully share the Gospel with others.” The Bible, however, explains that today is the day to decide to serve the Lord. Joshua taught this lesson to the Israelites:

"If it is disagreeable in your sight to serve the LORD, choose for yourselves today whom you will serve: whether the gods which your fathers served which were beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you are living; but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD." (Joshua 24:15)

            May we abolish the ugly word “tomorrow” from our vocabulary and replace it with the beautiful word “today”!