Word@Work Eph58 - Ephesians 5:6
Published: Tue, 12/16/08
Word@Work from BeaconLight
EMPTY WORDS
Ephesians 5:6 Let no-one deceive you with empty words, for because of such things God's wrath comes on those who are disobedient. (NIV)
Words can be cheap, but then you usually get what you pay for. The value of a word is its ability to convey an idea that is reliable. The old business saying, "My word is my bond" ("dictum meum pactum" in Latin) became the motto of the London Stock exchange in 1801. It was a style of trading that relied only on the word of the trader, without any exchange of documents. However recent episodes of dishonest dealing, worldwide, have shown some brokers' words to be empty and of no value at all.
Empty words do not present truth, only selfish convenience. They do not belong to the Kingdom of Heaven because although they may ooze confidence and the promise of a good profit, they will eventually always fail. However they are brilliant at setting up a brochure full of deception to lure the unwary. This is not just sharp business practice; it has the fire-impregnated stench of hell about it. All empty words, or 'lies' as we call them, are encouraged by Satan, they are the trade marks of his demons who use them to seduce those who deny the rule of Christ in their lives.
Needless to say, God does not deal in empty words: "I never knew you. Away from me, you evil-doers" (Matt 7:23), are full of meaning and will unleash God's wrath on those who fail to obey His 'full words'. 'Empty words are cunning substitutes that have a built-in trap to ensnare the spiritually gullible, and drag them down to the same fate as Satan himself. Clearly, the counter offensive is to obey the Word of God. This devotional may even save your integrity today, if you take note and do something about it. That is why we cannot just be Sunday Christians, we must put the Word into practice at work, or face the consequences that come to empty words.
Prayer: Father God. Thank you for this reminder that my word must be my bond, because Your Word always is. Help me to practice integrity by obeying Your Word, so that my colleagues and competitors may come to rely on mine, and that I will not be ashamed before You, nor lead others astray. In Jesus' Name. Amen.
You can read the verses around this Bible passage from the Internet Bible: - in English, and Spanish
Words can be cheap, but then you usually get what you pay for. The value of a word is its ability to convey an idea that is reliable. The old business saying, "My word is my bond" ("dictum meum pactum" in Latin) became the motto of the London Stock exchange in 1801. It was a style of trading that relied only on the word of the trader, without any exchange of documents. However recent episodes of dishonest dealing, worldwide, have shown some brokers' words to be empty and of no value at all.
Empty words do not present truth, only selfish convenience. They do not belong to the Kingdom of Heaven because although they may ooze confidence and the promise of a good profit, they will eventually always fail. However they are brilliant at setting up a brochure full of deception to lure the unwary. This is not just sharp business practice; it has the fire-impregnated stench of hell about it. All empty words, or 'lies' as we call them, are encouraged by Satan, they are the trade marks of his demons who use them to seduce those who deny the rule of Christ in their lives.
Needless to say, God does not deal in empty words: "I never knew you. Away from me, you evil-doers" (Matt 7:23), are full of meaning and will unleash God's wrath on those who fail to obey His 'full words'. 'Empty words are cunning substitutes that have a built-in trap to ensnare the spiritually gullible, and drag them down to the same fate as Satan himself. Clearly, the counter offensive is to obey the Word of God. This devotional may even save your integrity today, if you take note and do something about it. That is why we cannot just be Sunday Christians, we must put the Word into practice at work, or face the consequences that come to empty words.
Prayer: Father God. Thank you for this reminder that my word must be my bond, because Your Word always is. Help me to practice integrity by obeying Your Word, so that my colleagues and competitors may come to rely on mine, and that I will not be ashamed before You, nor lead others astray. In Jesus' Name. Amen.
Why not share Word@Work with your friends - they can subscribe at http://www.beaconlight.co.uk/email!
If you value your free Word@Work - an occasional donation will help us to maintain and develop the ministry - thank you!
If you value your free Word@Work - an occasional donation will help us to maintain and develop the ministry - thank you!
W@WEph58 | Word@Work © Dr Paul Adams 2008 | Provided by BeaconLight
Contact us at wordatwork@beaconlight.co.uk
Your next Word@Work will be sent on