Saturday, September 27, 2014
By: Rocky Angelette
Living the Light - Context of Our Conversations
Ephesians 5:4 Obscene stories, foolish talk, and coarse jokes - these are not for you. Instead, let there be thankfulness to God.
It is said that "actions speak louder than words." An example of uttering words without action is asking God to bless children who go to bed without food or water AND then doing nothing about it. We can speak about our prayerful intentions and goodwill, but until we DO something ... until we earnestly pray and actually provide nourishment for these children ... until we produce evidence that support our words, our words truly make LITTLE difference.
BUT what about the instances when our words do make a HUGE impact. Telling an obscene joke, spreading a rumor, speaking harshly, and getting a laugh at another's expense are ALL examples of how our words can cause our witness for Christ to drop several notches in a matter of seconds!
Today's scripture serves as a reminder that we are created to give thanks to God - not to speak in an obscene, foolish or coarse manner. It is our responsibility as Christians to be extremely careful of what we say around others.
Unfortunately, many of us not only participate in inappropriate conversations BUT we justify doing so. What about Christian GOSSIPING ... asking others to join in prayer for someone and then revealing the intimate details that this person is going through? OR what about making others laugh by contributing quick hurtful comebacks or improper humor in our conversations with them?
Context is defined as "the parts of a written or spoken statement that precede or follow a specific word or passage, usually influencing its meaning or effect." Since the words that come out of your mouth are so very important to God, I encourage you to ask Him to convict you of speaking any words that may be misinterpreted or taken out of context. When considering the context of our conversations, context means everything!
Dear Lord, I thank You for giving me an awareness of where my mind is wandering when engaging in conversations. Help me to tame my tongue ... to keep it in check. My desire is to be more like You in all I say ... in all I do.
I thank You Jesus for dying for me. I believe that You are Lord and that God raised You from the grave so that I can have eternal life.
Reflection: Is your daily conversation reflective of thankfulness to God for all that He has done for you?
