A Good Crowd!

While we might like to, sometimes we cannot control what goes on around us. Though we should choose wisely when it is our option, we are not always able to choose the crowd in which we might find ourselves. Work, school, and just being out in society sometimes places us where we see and hear things we wish we had not. Not being able to control what is around us, how are we doing at controlling what we can so as to enable us to hopefully influence in godly ways rather than being influenced away from godliness?

Paul exhorted. . .
"Let there be NO FILTHINESS nor FOOLISH TALK nor CRUDE JOKING, which are out of place, but INSTEAD LET THERE BE THANKSGIVING." ( Ephesians 5:4 ESV)

The New Living Translation reads. . .
"Obscene stories, foolish talk, and coarse jokes -- THESE ARE NOT FOR YOU. Instead, let there be thankfulness to God." [NLT, 1997, Wheaton, Ill.: Tyndale House]

What Paul mentioned first we may hear a lot of going on around us as we go about our day-to-day lives. Are we often amazed at the unbridled talk of many? The tongue is truly a challenging beast to control. (i.e. James 3:2 & 8) One way to keep from saying things we should not is by keeping our mouth shut. However, how long does that work? Have you ever tried to see how long you could go without talking? It is not easy. Another means of control is through crowding out the improper WITH THAT WHICH IS GODLY. Paul mentioned "THANKSGIVING" as talk that can be used to crowd out those other ways of speaking. When we keep words of "THANKSGIVING" flowing, that ought to mean God is remaining the center of our focus. Then, whatever is pleasing to God ought to be filling the mind as well.

In the previous chapter Paul also exhorted. . .
"Let NO CORRUPTING TALK come out of your mouths, but ONLY SUCH AS IS GOOD FOR BUILDING UP, as FITS THE OCCASION, that it may GIVE GRACE TO THOSE WHO HEAR." ( Ephesians 4:29 ESV)

Here Paul provided three categories to consider when speaking: speech that builds up, is fitting for the occasion, and brings benefit to the hearers. May that be the kind of talk that crowds out any room for that which does not glorify God. Not allowing room for improper speech will ward off the inappropriate beginning to make itself at home in us.

Note again the text we began with from another translation.
"Though some tongues just love the taste of gossip, those who follow Jesus have BETTER USES FOR LANGUAGE THAN THAT. Don't talk dirty or silly. That kind of talk doesn't fit our style. THANKSGIVING IS OUR DIALECT." (The Message: Colorado Springs, Colo.: NavPress]

Have a great day SPEAKING THE DIALECT THAT GLORIFIES GOD AND BRINGS GRACE TO OTHERS!
Carl

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