LET NO CORRUPT COMMUNICATION

PRAYER JOURNAL 10/12/18

Colossians 4:6 Let your speech always be with grace; seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one.(nkjv)

We are living in an increasing base and profane time.  We see it in the actions of people; the disrespect for authority, disregard for doing the “right” thing, and the disobedience to the laws of the land.  It has also infiltrated our speech. Profanity laced commercials are aired featuring children swearing and displaying base hand signals, our politicians feel no shame peppering their speech with “colorful” terms, rap music is based on profane speech and actions and now….as the “Church” embraces more of the “worlds” offerings, the speech from the pulpit to the pew has become more irreverent.  At times I think some have interpreted Colossians 4:6 as an instruction to “MAKE YOUR SPEECH MORE SALTY” rather than season it with salt to make it more savory. 

GOD USES OUR SPEECH TO REACH THE WORLD THROUGH THE “FOOLISHNESS” OF PREACHING AND THE WORD OF OUR TESTIMONY…BUT DOES HE REALLY CARE ABOUT THE WORDS WE CHOOSE TO COMMUNICATE THE GOOD NEWS?

Ephesians 4:29 Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers. (kjv)

Ahhh, the Advent of Social Media; a whole new world has opened up.  We now have instant access to the things everyone is doing…complete with pictures and we know what everyone is thinking…supported by memes.  The standard for posting, among those proclaiming their faithfulness to God has been thrown out the window.   Pictures displaying various stages of undress and ungodly actions, declare their “new found freedom” to indulge in whatever lust must be satisfied, today.

And of course we must post the latest meme, video and “pithy” comment and tweet; just because we are Christians doesn’t mean we aren’t “hip” or “with it” or “one of the guys.”  I wish I had a dollar for every disclaimer posted, warning the reader, “Sorry about the language, but this is so true.” Or “Look over the swear words in this meme and concentrate on the message.”  Or “I don’t usually post words like this, but this is so funny.”

REALLY….

In Ephesians, Paul instructs the church to “let no CORRUPT COMMUNICATION proceed out of our mouth.”  If Paul lived in today’s world, he would have dealt with Social Media under the CORRUPT COMMUNICATION BANNER.  The things you post on Social Media become your speech…yes even the things you are just repeating by reposting.

1 Peter 4:11 If anyone speaks, let him speak as the oracles of God.  If anyone ministers, let him do it as with the ability which God supplies, that in all things God may be glorified, through Jesus Christ to whom belong the glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen (nkjv)

And now it has reached the pulpit.  Sir, Ma’am, the Calling of God is Holy, please do not degrade it by using base words at anytime but especially when you are speaking as the Oracle of God.  You are not just one of the guys; one of the gals; it doesn’t make you more approachable. 

YOU ARE CALLED BY ALMIGHTY GOD TO BE HIS MOUTHPIECE!

I know the popular TV preachers do it; I know the Speaker, that everyone calls for conferences and special services has made a career out of delivering the Gospel, laced with profane and shocking speech; I know you just want to “relate” to the people in the pew, BUT…we are looking for someone to elevate us, not come down to our level.  We want to know there are men and women that still hear the Voice of God and will deliver a Word from God.  We want to know that the Word from God is Holy and we want to believe that God would not send a Word laced with the wicked speech of this world.  Man; Woman of God, we need you to point the way to something GREATER, especially in your words.

Today, before you hit “post” or “enter,” take an extra minute…what if God was about to hit the “enter” button?  Would these be the words He would tweet or post?  Are those really the words you want those in your congregation, those neighbors you are trying to win to Christ, your friends and family; the world to associate with you.

 IT’S YOUR PAGE AND THE THINGS YOU POST BECOME YOUR WORDS! 

Season your posts with salt and grace today; let your communication be as an Oracle of God; use words to edify and encourage; let your speech point someone to Jesus Christ and glorify Him.