Word@Work Eph51 - Ephesians 4:29
Published: Fri, 12/05/08
Word@Work from BeaconLight
MOUTH WASH
Ephesians 4:29 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. (NIV)
This week we have read that it is only possible to live a new life in Christ, when the habits of the old life have been repudiated. Lies, and anger and stealing have to go. Today, 'unwholesome talk' is in the firing line. Although this kind of communication can be true, and not sound angry; it does no good. This includes gossip, flattery, spreading rumours, as well as the sniping and complaining that are all too prevalent in public services or large corporations. So too is the double-entendre, the sleazy innuendo or inappropriate personal comment.
'Unwholesome' is by definition, harmful. It does not build up or edify, instead it tears down trust and reputation and goodwill. Like all Satan's plots, it appears morally neutral but is actually damaging. It is usually destructive to good relationships, and it always harms the perpetrator's moral integrity. The fact that we hear it all around us - to the point that it becomes 'normal' does not mean that it is ok (although that is what we are tempted to think). No, the Christian is called to be different, and interestingly, the world expects the believer to reject that talk-style.
New life in Christ also means a new way of speaking: not a more polished accent, but speech that comes from a heart of love for Jesus. He never used any unwholesome talk; instead, He spoke the truth in love, always. Anything different has an evil origin (cf Matt 5:37). As Jesus was keen to communicate truth that would build up people, so should we. And there is a lot of building to do. Feeding people's minds with truth, expressed from a loving heart will do wonders for the church and your mini-community at work. They may not receive the gospel immediately, but many will welcome a cheerful person who is wanting the best for others and only says what is true and does what is kind. That sort of kindness is also an essential 'appetiser' to the gospel meal you may want to serve later. But in any case, it is the right way to speak and God notices, with pleasure.
Prayer: Dear Lord. Help me to say what is true with wisdom and kindness, and to reject the way of the world which drags life down to a level that cannot build them up, or glorify You. First put a new desire into my heart for loving and truthful speech, and then teach me how to effect this change in my talk-style. In Jesus Name. Amen.
You can read the verses around this Bible passage from the Internet Bible: - in English, and Spanish
This week we have read that it is only possible to live a new life in Christ, when the habits of the old life have been repudiated. Lies, and anger and stealing have to go. Today, 'unwholesome talk' is in the firing line. Although this kind of communication can be true, and not sound angry; it does no good. This includes gossip, flattery, spreading rumours, as well as the sniping and complaining that are all too prevalent in public services or large corporations. So too is the double-entendre, the sleazy innuendo or inappropriate personal comment.
'Unwholesome' is by definition, harmful. It does not build up or edify, instead it tears down trust and reputation and goodwill. Like all Satan's plots, it appears morally neutral but is actually damaging. It is usually destructive to good relationships, and it always harms the perpetrator's moral integrity. The fact that we hear it all around us - to the point that it becomes 'normal' does not mean that it is ok (although that is what we are tempted to think). No, the Christian is called to be different, and interestingly, the world expects the believer to reject that talk-style.
New life in Christ also means a new way of speaking: not a more polished accent, but speech that comes from a heart of love for Jesus. He never used any unwholesome talk; instead, He spoke the truth in love, always. Anything different has an evil origin (cf Matt 5:37). As Jesus was keen to communicate truth that would build up people, so should we. And there is a lot of building to do. Feeding people's minds with truth, expressed from a loving heart will do wonders for the church and your mini-community at work. They may not receive the gospel immediately, but many will welcome a cheerful person who is wanting the best for others and only says what is true and does what is kind. That sort of kindness is also an essential 'appetiser' to the gospel meal you may want to serve later. But in any case, it is the right way to speak and God notices, with pleasure.
Prayer: Dear Lord. Help me to say what is true with wisdom and kindness, and to reject the way of the world which drags life down to a level that cannot build them up, or glorify You. First put a new desire into my heart for loving and truthful speech, and then teach me how to effect this change in my talk-style. In Jesus Name. Amen.
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