When one becomes a Christian, it is because they have been transformed into a new creation by God (2 Cor 5:17). The gift of such salvation conveys us into new way of living and thinking. Our old life which was rooted in our sinful nature is to no longer reign in us, but by the Spirit, we strive to live as Christ. The truth of the matter is that our past often involved speaking about and to people in ways that are ungodly. We can all recall being in social gatherings with friends where gossip and coarse jesting was a norm of fellowship.
Paul warns the Christian against this type of attitude having a place our new life in Jesus. To behave as we did in our old life is not only ruinous to our witness of Christ, but reflects worldliness that still has a foothold in our hearts. This devotional explores Paul’s timely instruction to us today in world where words and opinions are a premium of our society.
Paul begins, “Let no corrupt talk come out of your mouths…” The word corrupt means, morally degenerate, perverted (depraved), putrid and tainted. In the Greek, the transliteral word is “sapros” (σαπρός), which means, “rotten to the point of being worthless.” This type of speech defiles you and the people who hear what you say. By behaving in this way, your words become a weapon that tears others down. Worst, depending what you say (and who you speak about), you could invite physical injury on yourself. Solomon rightly observes (Prv 13:3), “Whoever guards his mouth preserves his life; he who opens wide his lips comes to ruin.”
Paul does not simply identifying the problem but offers God’s solution. In a new life of Christ, we are commanded to speak in a way, “…only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion…” What is in view are speaking words that edify one another. Meaning, we say things to each other that educate, enlighten, nurture and inspire us towards growing spiritually (thus drawing closer to God) which produces a godly lifestyle. This way of interacting with one another not only blesses us, but also those who hear us, thus, “…that it [our words] may give grace to those who hear.”
The key to accomplishing this is rooted in what we fill our hearts with. If in most of our day we consume ourselves with worldly entertainment, discussions and delights, it will produce defiled thinking and talking (Mt 15:18). Our elementary school proverb applies here, “You are what you eat.”
Instead, we are exhorted to fill our hearts and minds with that which is pure and holy, thus Paul also taught (Phi 4:8-9), “Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.” To live with one another in this way produces a life of worship unto God, thus Paul reinforces the importance of Spirit-led engagement among people (Eph 5:19-21), “…addressing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody to the Lord with your hearts, (20) giving thanks always and for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, (21) submitting to one another out of reverence for Christ.”
Remember, our hearts is the factory for our speech. Guarding our words is not a solo act of human effort, but we need the aid of the Spirit. Let us pray for this provision daily as David did as he petitions God (Ps 141:3), “Set a guard, O Lord, over my mouth; keep watch over the door of my lips!” Amen!
Blessings,
Dr. Jason S. Price, Th.D.
www.springoflivingwaters.com