A Devotional for Men Dont use foul or abusive language. Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them. - Ephesians 4:29, NLT Todays verse has stuck with me ever since a trip to Illinois in the early 1990s. A group of rowdy, rambunctious teenagers were heading for a concert event unlike any other (okay, thats how it was being hyped). But before our fearless leader got a block from our departure point, he informed us of the 4:29 policy that would be in effect for all 2,000 miles of the trip. 4:29 policy? We looked at each other, confused and dumbfounded. Our leader then shared with us Pauls words to the Ephesians, adding that non-encouraging comments would cost us a quarter per infraction. It was only after two guys in the back of the van racked up a few dollars in fines that we finally got the picture. The words we say have incredible power to hurt, offend, and ridicule people. They can also be used to build up and encourage those same individuals. When a leader speaks, however, the words have additional power because of the implied status of the person delivering them. I know that in the case of the 4:29 policy, if my leader had been cruel and callous with his words, then the rule would have held no weight, and the trip would have been a miserable one. Effective communication comes partially from the words we say and partially from the attitudes and actions we display (see Matthew 12:34). Paul understood this well and made sure to challenge his readers to live lives that radiated the love of God. That way, their words would match up to their actions. Lets strive to watch the things we say, knowing that they have more power than we think. The 4:29 policy is now in effect. (Source: A devotional for men, featuring the New Living Translation)
Posted on: Tue, 12 Aug 2014 08:39:26 +0000
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