Is your conversation gracious and wholesome, so you know how to answer everyone gracefully and supportively? Think about this question; remember who Jesus says you ought to be in the presence of His omnipotent Father. While your mind seeks understanding, join me and "let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works" (Hebrews 10:24, NLT). You know what I am saying is honorable if you believe the Word of God is the truth that leads to eternal life. The Lord wants us to speak words to please Him and encourage others.
Reach beyond the reality of this physical world and draw strength from the Lord, who resides in the spiritual world. "Let no unwholesome word come out of your mouth, but if there is any good word for edification according to the need of the moment, say that, so that it will give grace to those who hear" (Ephesians 4:29, NASB). Obscenities, foolish talk, and crude jokes do not encourage or inspire anyone to do the good works the Lord calls us to do.
Paul's words inspired the Philippians, and from their response, we can see that every human being needs encouragement, from the famous to the not-so-famous. In his letter to the Philippians, Paul speaks about Euodia and Syntyche, saying: "Yes, I ask you also, true companion, help these women, who have labored side by side with me in the gospel together with Clement and the rest of my fellow workers, whose names are in the book of life" (Philippians 4:3, ESV). So, we should work together to help each other grow spiritually. Like Paul, the Lord anoints us to defend the Good News of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and we must move full steam ahead to carry out the Great Commission.
In our quest for spiritual growth and peace, we must consider what is suitable for everyone in the sight of God. We say "in the sight of God" because wrong things are what some people might consider right when looking through the human eye. God does not make the mistake of calling good evil and evil good. "Consider what I say, and may the Lord give you understanding in all things" (2 Timothy 2:7, NKJV). It is time for us to get wisdom, and in our getting, we need to get a better understanding of God and His creation.
We are His workmanship, and I urge you to act in a manner worthy of the Lord and of your calling to serve God. Walk in the Spirit and resist the desire to satisfy the flesh. Do not doubt the Scriptures, for they verify that we can control our flesh. We can honestly say this "because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now" (Philippians 1:5, ESV). Rejoice in knowing Him as we strive to be of one mind and help each other grow spiritually.
Minister Nettie Pennington, Associate Minister, Springfield MB Church
