142: Use your words to build up instead of tearing down | Ephesians 4:29
08/23/16 • 5 min
As Christians, we are called to build up and lift up others with our speech. Use your words to show love today.
As Jesus followers, we are called to a different standard. A higher standard. In Ephesians 4, Paul lays out some “Instructions for Christian living.” Right in the middle of this passage, he writes, “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) Sadly, this is not what I see today in the church. Just before I sat down to record this podcast episode, I saw a post in a Facebook group where someone took the time to write out a lengthy poem to directly call out someone else and their writings. Now, I agree that this person’s writings are, well, abstract and in contrast to how many view the Bible. (That’s putting it mildly) However, did this really call for a direct reference with a link and photo of the person they were talking about? Could the writer of the Facebook post not simple speak the truth about the topic and warn others? It takes some serious energy to craft a poem, all with the simple intent of degrading this person. That’s how we should use our gifts? How long does a Facebook post last? Can we please use our passions and gifts for creating real art in the world that will last?
I see something better for the Church. Can we please lift up others in love? Do we have to disagree about everything? Do we have to die on every hill? Is it possible to disagree in love? Is it possible to show respect for a fellow Christian brother or sister? Is it ironic that many who seem so adamant at putting people “in their place” seem to forget verses like Ephesians 4:29. How many times do we think that we need to “speak the truth!” But we forget the same verse ends, “in Love.” Love should lead us. Love should guide us. Let us lift up others with our words.
About One VerseOne Verse is a short, free podcast devotional designed to help you grow closer to God through less than 5 minutes a day, 5 days a week.
Consistency trumps intensity. When it comes to working out, eating healthy, or managing our finances, consistency always trumps intensity. We reach our major life goals through small, purposeful steps taken daily. The same is true in our spiritual lives. I truly believe you will grow closer to God by spending just 5 minutes a day with Him versus cramming in an hour once a month. The One Verse Devotional is here to help take away the barriers of spending time with God. Now, during your workout, drive to work, or even shopping for groceries, you can invest in your spiritual life.
http://phosphorusproject.com/
As Christians, we are called to build up and lift up others with our speech. Use your words to show love today.
As Jesus followers, we are called to a different standard. A higher standard. In Ephesians 4, Paul lays out some “Instructions for Christian living.” Right in the middle of this passage, he writes, “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) Sadly, this is not what I see today in the church. Just before I sat down to record this podcast episode, I saw a post in a Facebook group where someone took the time to write out a lengthy poem to directly call out someone else and their writings. Now, I agree that this person’s writings are, well, abstract and in contrast to how many view the Bible. (That’s putting it mildly) However, did this really call for a direct reference with a link and photo of the person they were talking about? Could the writer of the Facebook post not simple speak the truth about the topic and warn others? It takes some serious energy to craft a poem, all with the simple intent of degrading this person. That’s how we should use our gifts? How long does a Facebook post last? Can we please use our passions and gifts for creating real art in the world that will last?
I see something better for the Church. Can we please lift up others in love? Do we have to disagree about everything? Do we have to die on every hill? Is it possible to disagree in love? Is it possible to show respect for a fellow Christian brother or sister? Is it ironic that many who seem so adamant at putting people “in their place” seem to forget verses like Ephesians 4:29. How many times do we think that we need to “speak the truth!” But we forget the same verse ends, “in Love.” Love should lead us. Love should guide us. Let us lift up others with our words.
About One VerseOne Verse is a short, free podcast devotional designed to help you grow closer to God through less than 5 minutes a day, 5 days a week.
Consistency trumps intensity. When it comes to working out, eating healthy, or managing our finances, consistency always trumps intensity. We reach our major life goals through small, purposeful steps taken daily. The same is true in our spiritual lives. I truly believe you will grow closer to God by spending just 5 minutes a day with Him versus cramming in an hour once a month. The One Verse Devotional is here to help take away the barriers of spending time with God. Now, during your workout, drive to work, or even shopping for groceries, you can invest in your spiritual life.
http://phosphorusproject.com/
Previous Episode
141: Set the oppressed free | Luke 4:18
Jesus came to proclaim good news, proclaim freedom to prisoners, and set the oppressed free. As His followers, shouldn’t we do the same?
After Jesus went to see John the Baptist, He officially began His earthly ministry. At this point, He was unknown, a carpenter’s son from Nazareth. Soon after Jesus visited John the Baptist, He went to His home synagogue, a place of worship. There, Jesus stood in front of the people to read from the ancient Scripture. Jesus chose the book of Isaiah and found the passage that we would refer to today as chapter 61 (the Bible wasn’t written in chapters and verses. Those were added later by the monks to help with copying the Bible... by hand!). Once Jesus found His place, He began to read these words: “The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to set the oppressed free,” adding “today, this Scripture is fulfilled.” I’m sure the people had no idea what to think of this. But for us today, it is very important. Jesus laid out His ministry. Proclaim good news, proclaim freedom, give sight to the blind, and set the oppressed free. When I am in the middle of a project, my children always want to get involved. I love seeing my son acting like he is preaching or my daughter going to my computer and trying to talk into my microphone. As my children, they follow in my footsteps and try to do what I do. When it comes to our faith, the same is true. We are children of God. I believe Jesus has handed this mission on to us. That we would be a force for Good in this world. We would fight for justice. That we proclaim the Good News and freedom to prisoners. That we restore the brokenhearted and set the oppressed free. We are surrounded every day by people who are hurting, and we possess the Hope of Glory!
About One VerseOne Verse is a short, free podcast devotional designed to help you grow closer to God through less than 5 minutes a day, 5 days a week.
Consistency trumps intensity. When it comes to working out, eating healthy, or managing our finances, consistency always trumps intensity. We reach our major life goals through small, purposeful steps taken daily. The same is true in our spiritual lives. I truly believe you will grow closer to God by spending just 5 minutes a day with Him versus cramming in an hour once a month. The One Verse Devotional is here to help take away the barriers of spending time with God. Now, during your workout, drive to work, or even shopping for groceries, you can invest in your spiritual life.
http://phosphorusproject.com/
Next Episode
143: The fullness of God | Colossians 2:9
A simple reminder: Jesus is the TOTAL fullness of God in human form. We serve a MIGHTY and POWERFUL Savior!
In the Book of Colossians, Paul teaches us something simple, yet very critical: All the fullness of God was in Jesus in human form. For many of us, that is simply a reminder. Yes, we know Jesus is God. But there can be a big difference between “head knowledge” and “heart knowledge.” My desire is for you to have heart knowledge of Jesus and Who He is. Remember the stories of the Old Testament that we grew up with? When God parted the Red Sea through Moses or defeated Goliath through David? What about when He provided manna to the people of Israel when they were in the desert? Over and over again, God shows us His power. And it is THIS power that lives in Jesus. We serve a mighty God who loves us. We follow a powerful Savior who provides for us. I simply want to remind you, today, that Jesus IS God and God IS BIG!
About One VerseOne Verse is a short, free podcast devotional designed to help you grow closer to God through less than 5 minutes a day, 5 days a week.
Consistency trumps intensity. When it comes to working out, eating healthy, or managing our finances, consistency always trumps intensity. We reach our major life goals through small, purposeful steps taken daily. The same is true in our spiritual lives. I truly believe you will grow closer to God by spending just 5 minutes a day with Him versus cramming in an hour once a month. The One Verse Devotional is here to help take away the barriers of spending time with God. Now, during your workout, drive to work, or even shopping for groceries, you can invest in your spiritual life.
http://phosphorusproject.com/
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