How Corrupt Is Your Communication?

As I was preparing to share God’s word with my family, I came across this prompt of repentance:

This prompt is the segue to Colossians 4:6, “Let your conversation be gracious and attractive, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each other,” and Ephesians 4:29, “let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers.”

The reality is that Jesus does not have to eavesdrop on your conversations because he is all-knowing (Psalm 139). He knows that what is in your heart will flow from your mouth. There is nothing you can hide from him. What do your behavior and the words you speak reveal about your identity?

I often tell my children that they reflect their dad and me, and the way they carry themselves when we are not present speaks volumes. As followers of Jesus Christ, we are to be the salt of this earth and light of the world (Matthew 5:13-14); purifying and positively affecting our environment. I find it very interesting that the scriptures mention the word “salt” over 40 times.  Anytime a word is repeated is worth paying attention to. Salt preserves, purifies, and cleanses whatever it encounters; it stops decomposition and wards off destruction. Are you seasoning your environment and words with salt, or have you lost your flavor? When you fail to use your words to edify those around you or make no attempt to positively impact your environment, then you become of little value.

You are made in God’s image, however, your tongue reveals your sinful nature. At times, your words and actions may be right and pleasing to God, and at other times they are corrupt and destructive. I will be the first person to raise my hand to declare that I am not perfect. However, I know the power that resides in submitting myself to God and allowing Him to purify me from within. If you truly desire to have a renewed and cleaned heart, evaluate what you are allowing to flow from it. Today meditate on and pray Psalm 51:10, “Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a loyal spirit (yielding consistency and perseverance) within me.”

When you allow the Holy Spirit to renew and purify your heart, you will be given self-control to speak and behave in a manner that is pleasing to God. Virtuously Unveil yourself to God’s power of holiness and righteousness. Your attractive light will draw others to live in a manner in which they are called and to bring glory to God.