MONDAY July 12, 2021
The Wrath of God
...neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor coarse jesting, which are not fitting, but rather giving of thanks. For this you know, that no fornicator, unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God. Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience. Therefore do not be partakers with them.
Ephesians 5:4-7
When Paul used the word covetous, he actually used it in relation to a person’s sexual conduct. Not only should Christians be sexually pure, but they should have a graceful manner of speech. Do not compromise with people in the world by listening or joining in with them as they tell dirty jokes. Christians are to separate themselves from worldly people, because they will bring them down to their level (2 Corinthians 6:17).
Sticking around to hear coarse jesting with sexual innuendos is not fitting. Listening to garbage will cause “garbage in garbage out!” You see, those things will badly influence your life. It will hurt your Christian walk. Corrupt communication does not glorify or honor God. Believers should be talking of God’s grace and mercies. They have been changed; they have a new walk and a new talk (Romans 12:1-2). This is important.
Notice, yet another warning is given to those who continually practice sin. They will not inherit the kingdom of God! Do not listen to those who give empty advice. These people will say about sin, “Do not to worry; God will forgive you!” Yes, God forgives sin, but we are not to take advantage of His grace. Romans 6:1 declares: “What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin that grace may abound?” Certainly not! How shall we who died to sin live any longer in it?
To live a life of sin and be a Christian is an impossibility. We would be hypocrites––living a lie. Sadly, Christians who have a bad witness keep people out of the kingdom of God. Be a good model of Jesus Christ. Mimic Him! That is our goal as believers.
The tongue is the ambassador of the heart.
~John Lyly~
For more from Raul Ries, please visit SomebodyLovesYou.com!
