JANUARY 23, 2013
Wholesome
Words
Read: Ephesians
4:25-32
Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for
necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers. —Ephesians 4:29
A
while back, an Emmy award-winning actress took a courageous stand and
walked
out in the middle of the Annual American Music Awards ceremony. Her
reason? She
grew increasingly upset and disappointed by what she described
as “an onslaught
of lewd jokes and off-color remarks” and raw and raunchy
comments by
presenters, performers, and hosts. She said the evening was an
affront to
anyone with a shred of dignity and self-respect.
Unwholesome
speech was a problem even in the apostle Paul’s day. He reminded
the Christians
at Ephesus that they should put away vulgarity, lewdness, slander,
and obscene
talk from their lives (Eph. 5:4; Col. 3:8). These were expressions of
their old
lives (1 Cor. 6:9-11), and it was now out of place with their new identity
in
Christ. Instead, their lives were to be characterized by wholesome speech.
Their
good or wholesome words would give grace to the hearers (Eph. 4:29). The
Holy
Spirit would help guard their speech, convict of any filthy talk, and help
them to
use words to benefit others (John 16:7-13).
We
are called to reflect God with all we are, and that includes our words. May our
mouths be filled with thanksgiving and words that benefit others.
Holy Spirit, we need Your help. Guard our hearts
and minds today. Help us control our thoughts and
words so that we might lift others up and show them
who You are and what You’ve done in us. Amen.
Wholesome words flow out of a life made new.
Source:
Our Daily Bread 2012
