But among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed, because these are improper for God's holy people. Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving. --Ephesians 5:3-4
God created us each as unique individuals. He wants us to embrace the unique gifts He gave us and use them for His purposes. Yet, He still holds all of us to the same standards of conduct. Our individuality is not a justification to live life our way without regard for God's precepts. The standards He hold us to include purity, generosity, and thanksgiving. He does not expect us to achieve any of these apart from Him, but He does expect us to call on Him to help us strive for less impurity, less greed, and less foolish talk in our lives.
God warns us about our words and conversations repeatedly in the Bible. We often take words for granted and toss them around carelessly, but God wants us to understand the weight that our words carry. Several years ago I read in a book that sin begins in the mind, moves to the lips, and then consumates in our actions. When we fail to guard our words, we are clearing the path for sin to grow in our lives.
Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them. For it is shameful even to mention what the disobedient do in secret. --Ephesians 5:11-12
A lot of women (and even many of the men) I know have at one point or another in their lives engaged in gossip, and I certainly struggle with this myself. Some Christians pass the gossip on as "prayer requests." Others try to sell the gossip as something they are sharing out of concern for the other person when really it is just judgement and idle words. God will make the truth known, that is not our job. The Bible is clear that we should not sit around a table sharing the secrets of our acquaintances over drinks. If we know something about someone and we want to hold them accountable, we should start by directly and privately confronting the person about their sin rather than by spreading their sin all over town. Before we try to justify our judgement-casting, we should also confront ourselves and our own motivation. We should not lie to ourselves about the truth--gossip is without doubt a fruitless deed of darkness.
Be very careful, then, how you live--not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord's will is. --Ephesians 5:15-17
Our time on earth is at a premium. Any day that we waste or opportunity to do good that we miss is lost forever. When we recognize our days as gifts to reinvest in God's kingdom, we realize that idle conversation doesn't just waste our time, it wastes God's time, too. When we are with our friends, we have an opportunity to invest in their lives; to listen to their struggles; to encourage, lift up and pray with them; to love them as God loves us. If we choose to use our time with our friends to gossip instead of inviting God into our conversations, we are living as the unwise.
Speak to one another with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs. Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. --Ephesians 5:19-20
Anybody who has been spoken to with harsh words knows how those words can sting and stick with us. In the same way, positive and uplifting words can implant themselves in the hearts of those who hear. Our words are not to be tossed around. Our words are to be used to plant seeds of light, truth, praise, thanksgiving, and love. God has been convicting me of the way I use my words, and He's been revealing the truth about what I say. The enemy would have us use words that waste time, hurt, and break down. God calls us to use words that praise, heal, and encourage growth.
Posted by Kim at January 8, 2007 01:59 PM