May 25 Thankful Talk

Ephesians 5:4-7 Let there be no filthiness nor foolish talk nor crude joking, which are out of place, but instead let there be thanksgiving. 5 For you may be sure of this, that everyone who is sexually immoral or impure, or who is covetous (that is, an idolater), has no inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God. 6 Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience. 7 Therefore do not associate with them.
 
TALK nice. Avoid coarse jokes. I’m going to assume you of Jesus’ church strive to live into this teaching. I’d like to focus on Paul’s urging to “Let there be thanksgiving (in your speech.)
    Thankful speech seems to be too rare. Why is it that instead of easily speaking words of gratitude and joy, we often are more willing to speak of things we do not like? For example, even talking about the weather we begin with complaints: “It’s too dry, too wet, too cold, too hot, too…” And isn’t it often the case that thankfulness is expressed with, “It could have been worse.” as we complain about some inconvenience. And why is that when asked, “What’s good about your day?” we often respond with blank stares? Do we forget it is good to wake up in the morning? Are we so casual about the food on our table, our work, our homes and most of all our families that we do not consider such blessings as “good things” about our day? Thankfulness seldom seems to be the essence of our human nature.
    Thus, in the midst of teaching us what not to say, Paul says, “Let there be thanksgiving.” Do you think that a thankful heart is less prone to speak coarse jokes? Would thanksgiving be an antidote to foolish talk such as gossiping and lying? Are thankful hearts more open to God’s purity? Certainly thankful hearts are more prepared to receive God’s truth.
    Thankful speech begins with understanding, “I don’t deserve salvation. I am grateful beyond measure my Lord has chosen me to be with him forever.” When we live in this “attitude of gratitude” of our Lord’s salvation, we will more easily live into Paul’s teaching. Our words will praise the wonder of our physical lives. Loving tongues will equate our personal relationships as God’s gifts to us. Hearts in awe of God’s mercy will feel the pleasure of their inheritance into the Family of God. We will speak in the joy and wonder of our salvation.
    As Jesus has said to you, “Come, follow me.” rejoice and be thankful. Gratefully walk in your Savior’s footsteps. Call on the Spirit to increase the space in your heart to always be thankful in your salvation.
 
Prayer: When I speak in coarse or foolish ways, Father, admonish my mouth and change my heart. Disturb my mind more to you. Fill me with thanksgiving that Jesus’ blood has made my sins pure before you. In his name, I pray, amen.