A recent conversation with one of the teenage boys from youth group gave me an insight into his concept of “Christian”. One of the leaders had let out a swear word, and this boy’s response was “You’re not a Christian! You swear.” This sentiment echoes the belief of many in our community – that a Christian is someone who doesn’t swear, smoke, or drink (but they still might bash someone). I had talked with this particular boy before about Christianity being more than just not swearing, but he is firmly convinced – like others around him – that being Christian means giving up the swearing, smoking and drinking. As someone living openly as a Christian in this community (with a slight potty mouth) I desire for people to know that my Christianity isn’t about not swearing etc, but it is about a deeper relationship with God. So the question remains; Does being a Christian living incarnationally in this community mean that I shouldn’t swear (thus people will continue to recognise (and sometimes respect) me as a Christian, or do I continue with my occasional but very “real” slight potty-mouth, in order that they may see that it is possible to be a “real” Christian who is more about a relationship with God than simply being well-behaved?