Passage of the Day:
Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to your neighbor, for we are all members of one body. 26 “In your anger do not sin”[d]: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, 27 and do not give the devil a foothold. 28 Anyone who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing something useful with their own hands, that they may have something to share with those in need. 29 Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. 30 And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. 31 Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. 32 Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you, Ephesians 4:25-32.
Reflection:
As a former high school teacher, I quickly learned that loose lips sink ships. In the heat of the moment, when emotions are high, displaying temperance takes complete control. As soon as you deviate from the Holy Spirit, Galatians 5:25, by following your fleshly desires, actions, behaviors and words, you’ll cause spiritual harm. This is why the apostle Paul provides a warning to one first century church. I had to learn the hard way my first couple of years in the classroom. These initially years were bumpy until God taught me the power of the Holy Spirit to think before you act or speak.
Prayerful Action:
My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, 20 because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires. 21 Therefore, get rid of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent and humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save you, James 1:19-21.
Setting Clear Boundaries to Live By:
I taught a Bible class to 7th graders for five years on the Book of Proverbs. While the initially curriculum was corny, there was one main theme that has stuck with me nearly 20 years later. Setting boundaries are designed to keep evil out of your life. Like a concerned parent seeking to keep their children away from the dangers in this world, these boundaries serve as a hedge of protection to keep you safe from harm. Yet, now as an adult, you have to mature, by grace through faith, so that you lead by example to think before you act.
Song of the Day:
When I went through my stage of trying to find Christian rock bands in college, Fighter was one of the first that I found. Although the lyrics are confusing at times, the title fits into the prayerful call to action. May today’s blog inspire you to be temperate in your speech and action.
by Jay Mankus
ExpressYourself4Him 