While writing another devotion I was lead down a tangent and feel a prompting to write a short devotion about our speech and conversations. I don’t know about you and maybe I’m showing my age but, I’ve often heard parents and older family members threatening to wash out a child’s mouth with a bar of soap if they didn’t watch their language. This seems hypocritical to me when I think that those same adults are quick to curse and let their conversations easily flow into coarse and filthy talk.
“Do not let unwholesome [foul, profane, worthless, vulgar] words ever come out of your mouth, but only such speech as is good for building up others, according to the need and the occasion, so that it will be a blessing to those who hear [you speak].” (Ephesians 4:29)
“Let there be no filthiness and silly talk, or coarse [obscene or vulgar] joking, because such things are not appropriate [for believers]; but instead speak of your thankfulness [to God].” (Ephesians 5:4)
The more I seek God in my daily life the more aware I am becoming of this. More and more I end up isolating myself at work and even being offended by the “bleeping” out of cursing on TV because the Holy Spirit has made me so sensitive to this kind of talk.
It hits home that this is just a part of what the scripture means when we’re told that although we have to live in this world that we are to be different and not to be of this world. “And do not be conformed to this world [any longer with its superficial values and customs], but be transformed and progressively changed [as you mature spiritually] by the renewing of your mind [focusing on godly values and ethical attitudes], so that you may prove [for yourselves] what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect [in His plan and purpose for you].” (Romans 12:2)
I think this is something that we all need to be sensitive to. What is your witness to everyone around you? Let’s both ask God’s forgiveness and strength as we move into a new week.
Most High God, we humbly bow before you know and ask forgiveness for even standing in the midst of the filth of worldly conversations. We ask forgiveness for both our active and passive participation in those conversations. God, give us strength and convict us quickly Holy Spirit so that we can move away in those times and be a greater witness for you. May we show by our removing ourselves and not participating Your disapproval of such conversations. God, we love you and we thank You for sending Your Holy Spirit to live within us. Give us strength and help us not to grieve His presence in our lives. We humbly ask these things in Jesus’ name. AMEN!
This Narrow Path... 