Edify!

Edify!

Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers. Ephesians 4:29 KJV

The Inspiration:

The audience defines the expectations. From the accounts of the gospels, Jesus always had different expectations and demands from those who chose to follow Him and those who were content to stay in the crowd. Being a disciple calls for standards of behaviour and expectations that are very different from those you would demand from the crowd. The first question I have to answer will be that of identity: who am I? Who are you? Do you know? Is it very clear in my mind what God's will is, and am I pursuing His will with all that I have got, to the exclusion of anything else? One of the ways by which a disciple is known and recognized is in the use of the tongue. My words provide a window into my life; whatever proceeds out of my mouth will reflect all I have spent time building up. 

The Contention:

I have a duty of audit of my words. It is a sign of surrender that my words reflect my ownership. Would it not be odd if there is no outward visible benefit of my citizenship of heaven? How can anyone spend time with me and not note the difference between the world and I? It is my responsibility to ensure that my mouth confession match my life profession. When men listen to me, what do they go away with? Do I use words that life up, or do my words pull down? Do I encourage or discourage? One of the many ways by which I can audit my words is to always line them up with the word of God. If I do not take time to read and study the word, what would I pattern my life after? What other examples outside of the Word of God exist, which can impact eternity? What am I storing up?

The Conclusion:

It is amazing how words work. The same word, spoken either in jest or with concern, can mean different things to different people at different times. This is why my words must always be filtered by the grace of God. A man who has experienced grace is quick to extend the same grace to other people. I must not allow my weaknesses to distract me from the need to depend on God totally. My words must edify other people to good works. My words must encourage people to be better versions of themselves, and above all, my words must make men seek God for themselves. This means that the presence and power of God in my life will be so visible that men cannot ignore. May God be pleased to live in me, so that the impact of His word can be seen in me. God's time of favour is here.