Today's Daily Bread
Wholesome Words
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.
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.
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