Today's scripture: Ephesians 4:29
Oh, I remember when the English language was rich and diverse. I’ve been a
lover of the written word for as long as I can remember. I love to read. I love
to write. I have even taught English at the college level for over 16 years.
Yet now, it seems like people’s vocabulary is very limited.
Words that just a generation ago were considered vulgarities are part of our
lexicon. One particular “former” vulgarity seems to be used as a noun, verb,
adverb, and adjective. Yes, we have a new vocabulary in our culture. But that
really doesn’t make it wholesome—or “sound in body, mind, or morals.”
And with the proliferation of ways to interact (internet, social networks,
texts), we’re seeing and hearing things we never have before. But that doesn’t
really mean it’s edifying—or “instruct[ing] or improv[ing] especially in moral
or religious knowledge.”
Are the words we use true and just and honorable? (See Philippians 4:8.) Do
they honor our Lord? Do they build up others?
Think about the words you use. Are they wholesome and sound? Will they instruct
others’ moral knowledge?
Think about it. And then say it well.
Showing posts with label speaking truth. Show all posts
Showing posts with label speaking truth. Show all posts
Friday, November 20, 2015
Wednesday, November 18, 2015
Anger Without Sin (Ephesians 4:25-27)
Today's
scripture: Ephesians 4:25-27
Speak truth. With everyone. This isn’t always an easy command to obey. Especially in our world where many say there is no real truth.
But if we serve the God of the Bible, we serve Truth, so we really have no choice. If we want to honor Him, if we want to serve each other, we must speak truth.
Be angry, and yet do not sin. Elsewhere, we’re told that wrath is a work of the flesh (Galatians 5:19-21), so how do we reconcile Paul’s words? I think the first is habitual. It’s living in daily, unrelenting anger. In today’s verses, however, there’s an understanding that we may get angry, but we need to seek resolution before the sun goes down.
If we allow anger to take residence in our hearts, we really do give the “devil an opportunity.” I know this from experience. I held on to anger and bitterness after years of abuse. And that anger took me on a very long journey away from faith.
Do you struggle with anger? Has it taken residence in your heart? Ask the Lord to help you deal with it. Ask Him for love and peace to overcome the anger and hate.
Don’t give the devil an opportunity.
Speak truth. With everyone. This isn’t always an easy command to obey. Especially in our world where many say there is no real truth.
But if we serve the God of the Bible, we serve Truth, so we really have no choice. If we want to honor Him, if we want to serve each other, we must speak truth.
Be angry, and yet do not sin. Elsewhere, we’re told that wrath is a work of the flesh (Galatians 5:19-21), so how do we reconcile Paul’s words? I think the first is habitual. It’s living in daily, unrelenting anger. In today’s verses, however, there’s an understanding that we may get angry, but we need to seek resolution before the sun goes down.
If we allow anger to take residence in our hearts, we really do give the “devil an opportunity.” I know this from experience. I held on to anger and bitterness after years of abuse. And that anger took me on a very long journey away from faith.
Do you struggle with anger? Has it taken residence in your heart? Ask the Lord to help you deal with it. Ask Him for love and peace to overcome the anger and hate.
Don’t give the devil an opportunity.
Wednesday, April 22, 2015
Love ... Rejoices With the Truth (1 Corinthians 13:6)
Today's scripture: 1 Corinthians 13:6
Love does not rejoice in unrighteousness, but rejoices with the truth.
Of all the attributes Paul describes, this one should be the easiest for those of us who follow Christ. We should never rejoice in unrighteousness. Sin should never be celebrated. As I write these words, I’m convicted—yet again. How often do I watch a television show or movie that revels in sin? More often than I care to admit.
Sin breaks the heart of my heavenly Father. It should do the same to mine. And yet, I laugh it off as though it doesn’t matter. I, dare I say, rejoice in unrighteousness.
Oh, as Paul would say, may that never be!
My rejoicing should only come when I see God work in lives. When I see people make a stand for faith. When someone begins a relationship with Jesus. When people grow in faith. When they use their God-given gifts.
When truth wins out.
Only then I should plan a party and celebrate.
Love does not rejoice in unrighteousness, but rejoices with the truth.
Of all the attributes Paul describes, this one should be the easiest for those of us who follow Christ. We should never rejoice in unrighteousness. Sin should never be celebrated. As I write these words, I’m convicted—yet again. How often do I watch a television show or movie that revels in sin? More often than I care to admit.
Sin breaks the heart of my heavenly Father. It should do the same to mine. And yet, I laugh it off as though it doesn’t matter. I, dare I say, rejoice in unrighteousness.
Oh, as Paul would say, may that never be!
My rejoicing should only come when I see God work in lives. When I see people make a stand for faith. When someone begins a relationship with Jesus. When people grow in faith. When they use their God-given gifts.
When truth wins out.
Only then I should plan a party and celebrate.
Monday, September 08, 2014
Sharing God's Wisdom (Psalm 71:18)
Today's
scripture: Psalm 71:18
A week ago, I wrote about how, even though I've reached the half-century mark, I don't really feel old. Maybe it's because I'm not grayheaded ... yes, I do have a smattering of gray here and there, but so far, so good!
However, there is one very positive aspect to growing older: I am growing wiser, and God often allows me to speak truth and wisdom into the lives of those "to come." I am so very blessed to have younger people in my life, many of whom I call "children of my heart." Often, one of them will ask me for counsel or encouragement, and I'm privileged to "declare [God's] strength" to her.
I can share of how God never left my side even though I turned my back on Him. I can tell of how He blesses me through difficult times. I can affirm how He uses all things for His glory and my good (Romans 8:28). I can confidently state that He is loving and good.
Often, I have experienced similar situations as my "kids" have, so I can relate to their pain ... or to their joy.
Yes, getting older has its share of frustrations, but it also brings many positives. Frankly, I'll take the good over the bad every day.
If you're of a "certain age," thank God that He has brought you this far, and ask Him to bring those "to come" people into your life, so that you can share your God-given wisdom with them.
A week ago, I wrote about how, even though I've reached the half-century mark, I don't really feel old. Maybe it's because I'm not grayheaded ... yes, I do have a smattering of gray here and there, but so far, so good!
However, there is one very positive aspect to growing older: I am growing wiser, and God often allows me to speak truth and wisdom into the lives of those "to come." I am so very blessed to have younger people in my life, many of whom I call "children of my heart." Often, one of them will ask me for counsel or encouragement, and I'm privileged to "declare [God's] strength" to her.
I can share of how God never left my side even though I turned my back on Him. I can tell of how He blesses me through difficult times. I can affirm how He uses all things for His glory and my good (Romans 8:28). I can confidently state that He is loving and good.
Often, I have experienced similar situations as my "kids" have, so I can relate to their pain ... or to their joy.
Yes, getting older has its share of frustrations, but it also brings many positives. Frankly, I'll take the good over the bad every day.
If you're of a "certain age," thank God that He has brought you this far, and ask Him to bring those "to come" people into your life, so that you can share your God-given wisdom with them.
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