Imitate God in Word and Deed

by Margret Askren

Ephesians 5:4 Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving.

Before my husband and I were saved we would get together and play cards with four other couples, gossiping, and telling jokes, some of which were slightly off-color. After we were saved, we played cards with them for a short time, and the usual talk continued. We had witnessed to them how we had accepted Christ, and invited them to attend church with us. They were uncomfortable with us since we “got religion,” as they put it. We were uncomfortable too, because the kind of talk in which we had formerly participated was no longer acceptable to us. We also realized that if we continued with them there would be as much chance that they would influence us as we would influence them for Christ, being such new Christians. For the sake of witnessing, though, we remained friends with them, but we did not see them make a decision for Christ.

God is not pleased with me when I do not measure my words before they are out of my mouth. Even when I have thoughts of being critical or judgmental about someone, God checks me in my spirit and I must confess it before Him. Only then can I have peace.

Today, I am thankful that God showed us that gossiping and off-color jokes should not be in a Christian’s vocabulary. It is my sincere desire to be pleasing to God in my speech and actions.

Prayer: Lord, keep watch over my lips and my thoughts (which can be destructive). I purpose to guard my mouth and my tongue so people may see Christ in me.