“Do not let any unwholesome
talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up
according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.” Ephesians 4:29
In
Paul’s letter to the Ephesian church, he stresses moral living as opposed to
worldly living. One area that is out of
control is talk that is morally harmful.
Conversations laced with profanity are the norm in this day and age. Trust me, I hear it all day long at
work. They let expletives fly with no
hesitation or shame on their face. It
gives me a greater impetus to be kind, encouraging and edifying in some small
way.
If
God is light, then we are reflectors of that light. Does the world see in us a poor example or a
positive one that draws people closer to the Lord? There are many other ways we can put on our
new life in Christ. Telling the truth in
all situations rather than lying is one.
Having self-control regarding anger is extremely helpful and is
definitely much different than the way of the world.
Words
can hurt or help, cut or heal. Speaking
words about Jesus without the lifestyle to back it up can send a confusing
message to those we are trying to minister to.
If we claim to be a believer in Christ yet speak and act no different
than those in the world, what is the point of saying you’re a Christian at
all. God doesn’t need us at all; rather, he has chosen to use us in spite of ourselves. He knows our flaws and irregular tendencies
and still wants to use us to speak His word of hope to a lost and dying
world. The bottom line is that we are
not hear to be cool or fit in. We are
here to show the world the difference God can make in a life given over to
Him. Until Christ’s Return, walk with
the King and be a blessing!
Resource(s): 1) The
American Heritage Dictionary; 2) The Asbury Bible Commentary; 3) The
Reformation Study Bible.
