Tag Archives: unwholesome talk

The Real Global Warning Threat

The Dust Bowl of the 1930’s may have conceived a generation of scientists who adhere to and subscribe to the belief that global warming as the greatest threat to the future of the earth. This one event served as a painful lesson for farmers who over tilled their land, contributing to American’s Great Depression, spawning a decade from 1929 to 1939. To modern followers of global warming, there is no time to waste, whatever the cost may be to save this planet.

Let no foul or polluting language, nor evil word nor unwholesome or worthless talk [ever] come out of your mouth, but only such [speech] as is good and beneficial to the spiritual progress of others, as is fitting to the need and the occasion, that it may be a blessing and give grace (God’s favor) to those who hear it, Ephesians 4:29.

While preserving the earth is a noble cause, another global warning was recorded in the first century. Instead of highlighting the dangers of fossil fuel, the apostle Paul refers to a spiritual pandemic that began to spin out of control. This verbal pollution has taken a toll on souls for the past 2000 years. Gossip, slander, and trash talking have been embraced by social media, using entertainment as an excuse to keep sinning with a smile.

And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God [do not offend or vex or sadden Him], by Whom you were sealed (marked, branded as God’s own, secured) for the day of redemption (of final deliverance through Christ from evil and the consequences of sin). 31 Let all bitterness and indignation and wrath (passion, rage, bad temper) and resentment (anger, animosity) and quarreling (brawling, clamor, contention) and slander (evil-speaking, abusive or blasphemous language) be banished from you, with all malice (spite, ill will, or baseness of any kind), Ephesians 4:30-31.

Apparently, the use of evil comments, hate filled speech, and unwholesome talk grieves the Holy Spirit. Human beings were designed to encourage and lift one another up. Yet, as global warming steals most of the news headlines, politicians seek to destroy anyone who does not hold or support their secular world view. Subsequently, dissenters are shamed on social media, often using false stereotypes to force a public apology. The decay of biblical values in America is the real global warning threat that must be addressed before faith in God becomes banned worldwide.

by Jay Mankus

A Rare Jewel

In a November 2015 Forbes article, the red diamond was the most expensive jewel, worth one million dollars per carat.  Meanwhile, True Facet claims the rarest jewel when its available is jadeite, costing more than three million dollars per carat.  Yet, one of the most famous jewels is the Hope Diamond due to a curse which followed those who possessed it resulting in several mysterious deaths.

Gold there is, and rubies in abundance, but lips that speak knowledge are a rare jewel, Proverbs 20:15.

While contemplating his own collection of wealth, King Solomon overlooked one rare jewel.  This unusual site involves individuals who provide encouraging and positive words.  These nuggets within conversations often uplift those who hear it.  Based upon the context of the passage above, it appears that even in the days of the Old Testament negative tones filled the local marketplaces.

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, Ephesians 4:29.

Depending upon your current environment at home, school or work, speaking words of knowledge can be difficult.  Overcoming waves of pessimism is a tough task, taking many under its current with each crashing remark.  In view of this climate, the apostle Paul urges his readers to rise above today’s culture of criticism.  Instead of joining the crowd to jump on the pile, change your tune by expressing beneficial comments.  In the end, you will avoid grieving the Holy Spirit by seeking to become a rare jewel with holy lips.

by Jay Mankus

The Fruit of Lips

 

Unless you live in the Bible belt, portions of the south or in a friendly neighbor, an encouraging word is a rare sound.  Rather, misery loves company, spreading negativity into the air, leaving a trail of carnage in its wake.  In this current environment, the fruit of lips is disappearing.

Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise—the fruit of lips that openly profess his name, Hebrews 13:15.

To combat harsh comments during the first century, the author of Hebrews suggests praising God can turn a foul mouth into the fruit of lips.  However, you still have to overcome any influences which alter your choice of words.  The term continually is added to insure this practice is consistent, not something here today and gone tomorrow.  Change takes time and making praise a habits will lead to a transformed vocabulary.

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.  And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption, Ephesians 4:29-30.

The apostle Paul discovered that unwholesome talk grieves the Holy Spirit.  If the church is one body composed of many parts, any comment toward someone you don’t like or related to is like slapping God is the face, the Creator of life.  Therefore, to avoid failing into this trap, replace curses with praise.  Then, you will emulate the fruit of lips.

by Jay Mankus