(Read Ephesians 29)
In a world where words are often used carelessly, Christians who use discretion and discernment in their daily lives provide a beacon of guidance. Their words and actions remind us of the power of our speech and the responsibility that comes with it. Christians are called to guard our tongues and refrain from engaging in negative, destructive speech. The choices we make in our words also reflect the choices we make in our daily lives. Are we talking for the sake of conversation, or do our words have a more lasting effect? Do they build up or tear down?
One of the early benchmarks in my acceptance of Jesus Christ was witnessing my son’s transformation in his senior year in high school. He and 30 or more other “pilgrims” shared their stories with friends and families about where they came from and where they were at that moment. I was private and holding back in my relationship with Jesus until this point.
Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God. And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.
Colossians 3:16-17
Our lives as followers of Jesus are not solitary journeys but communal ones. Believers are encouraged to engage with each other, sharing insights, providing guidance, and mutually encouraging spiritual growth. This underscores the importance of fellowship and accountability within the Christian community. Every aspect of one’s life—whether in speech or action— should be conducted with a consciousness of representing Christ and reflecting His teachings.
Watching our son become a Christian man before our eyes was one of the most powerful things I’ve ever seen. He and a friend were sponsored to attend a faith event called “Chrysalis” by their cross-country coach. We knew, even then, that their coach was so much more than a coach. He was a teacher, a role model, a friend, a leader, and an amazing example of a true disciple of Christ.
“When it comes to Jesus, (D) said, “I guess the first word that comes to my mind is a gift. Jesus is a gift from our Creator to bring back a closer relationship with his people, and I’m one of those people, so Jesus Christ is a gift to me as a way of having a relationship with God.” (D)’s own faith journey highlights the impact of positive Christ-led influences. While church attendance and participation were part of his childhood, it wasn’t until his high school years that he experienced a turning point in his personal connection with Jesus.
“I also had the opportunity to participate in the Chrysalis weekend retreat. That experience gave me a new look at who the person of Jesus was and why He could matter to me. At that point, I began to make a more personal commitment to having more of a relationship with my Savior than just knowing about Him.”
(D)’s path wasn’t always smooth. He faced challenges in high school and college, navigating conflicting social circles and questioning his faith. Yet, throughout these difficulties, he found support in people who held him accountable and helped him grow in his faith.
“Right away, when you make a commitment,” he continued, “you’re challenged. I feel like my high school years were a great example of that. I almost found myself leading a double life for a while until I could really get my relationship with God in a better perspective. I had friends who knew me a certain way from the older version of me and then new friends that I had made through the Christian experience. There existed a conflict in personal lifestyles and among social circles that didn’t mesh well together.”
Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing.
1 Thessalonians 5:11
Throughout the letter to the Thessalonians, Paul addressed various aspects of Christian living and the hope of Christ’s return. Here, he emphasized the importance of mutual encouragement within the Christian community. Believers are called to uplift and support one another in our faith journeys. Paul used construction imagery to convey the idea of strengthening and edifying fellow believers. This involves offering words of encouragement and actively contributing to each other’s spiritual growth and well-being. Every member plays a vital role in building up the body of Christ.
“College was another battleground. I remember feeling kind of on fire for God and wanting to live out my faith, and when I got to college, I realized that I was. However, I was in the minority in how I felt and in the perspective I had on the world around me, and I was certainly challenged there. Even though there were times when I fell short, I was able to find people at my college who could hold me accountable, and I could develop new relationships that were more centered, and that helped me. My future wife was first there as a friend through that time. We were able to navigate those difficult challenges of college together and develop a friend base and a circle of support that would see us through to the end of that experience.”
The encouragement and edification Paul recommends in Thessalonians brings with it a sense of unity and solidarity among believers. By uplifting each other, Christians strengthen our bonds and create a supportive environment where followers can thrive in their faith. This unity is essential for withstanding challenges and remaining steadfast in the face of adversity.
“I look back very thankfully for the people that God put in my life during that time.”
His parents split when he was in elementary school. (D) described it as a traumatic experience for him and especially for them. “However, it was an opportunity to explore their own faith because they each felt a need to reach out to God at that time. Both my mother and father grew in their faith, and I really benefited from those times! All of this certainly added to the spiritual growth that later proved to be a foundation for the work that God would do in my own heart. So, I’m thankful to my parents for their desire to know God better.”
(D) finds hope, not happiness, in all aspects of life. As a teacher in life and his career, he grasps the hope that comes from his faith. He’s empathetic for others who don’t share his Christian views, lifting them up as Jesus would.
“I think the thing that drives us the most as Christians is to have a heart for others. We lose sight of who they (non-believers) are, but they’re God’s children, and God is especially fond of them too. The anxiety of going through life without hope for the future and without the hope of Heaven has to be heart-wrenching at times.” Loosely quoting Big Daddy Weave, he said, “Heaven changes everything. Life without the hope of Heaven would be goodbye, and we’ll not see you again.”
(D) is married to somebody of equal faith, who’s also a firm and devout believer. “There is nothing more fulfilling as an adult than having a Christ-centered marriage. Marriage Ministry is where we are right now as a couple. Everyone knows that being married is difficult,” he explained, “but it can be so beautiful. In our class, we come together and look into God’s word to lead others to find out more about God’s plan for their marriages. A solid marriage is one of the foundations of a strong Church. I think there’s research out there that says when you have happily married committed couples in your church, then your church can grow. We are in our service toward our church and God through that community. We’ve had the opportunity to share our challenges and strengths with other couples as a result.”
Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person.
Colossians 4:6
From the first time I met him twenty years ago until our conversation this week, (D)’s words have inspired and fueled my ongoing faith. Much like Jesus, he will call you out, like “seasoned salt,” when necessary, but his approach is gracious, supportive, and loving. (D) ’s example of exhortation and loving mentorship perfectly mirrors how Jesus taught.
It was the Holy Spirit who led our son to Christ, but (D) was a human conduit that was instrumental in connecting them. I will always cherish his words about our son. “I’m thankful for the young man who came into our lives at that time and allowed us to have that relationship.”
He concluded with his thoughts about the Bible. “A favorite Biblical passage is usually applicable to a certain situation, so you pick your favorites based on what you’re thinking about. The one I recite every day during the moment of silence at school after the Pledge of Allegiance helps me through my day.”
Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.
Ephesians 4:29
“When your career involves standing in front of impressionable minds all day, that’s a good one to remember,” we both burst out in laughter.
“You embody that and wear that very well, (D),” I added.
Tomorrow is Easter. Jesus conquered death, left the tomb empty, and rose to sit at God’s right hand. Remember Him in all that you do. Be like Him as best you can. He is Risen!
Key Applications:
- Monitor your speech. Before speaking, pause and consider whether your words are uplifting and beneficial or if they could potentially harm or tear down others. Are you building up the body of Christ?
- Today and every day, reflect the love and character of Christ in your words and interactions. Let your words reflect Christ’s grace, truth, and love, bringing healing, encouragement, and hope to those around you. Be a source of light and encouragement. Let your words be uplifting.
Where else in your life can you live out the teachings of Christ? Look for next week’s Devotion.