I have a confession: I have not been successfully “taking every thought captive” lately (2 Corinthians 10:5). Some of my words have been the opposite of wholesome talk, useful for building up (Ephesians 4:29).
Ballet summer session is this week, which means getting up earlier and spending more time in the car. My daughter is not a morning person, and she comes by it naturally. We started the car ride every morning with a prayer and the daily Bible reading. Sometimes we had to listen to a song taken directly from Scripture after the reading.
On Tuesday morning, the reading started with Ephesians chapter four. “As a prisoner in the Lord, then, I urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling you have received: with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, and with diligence to preserve the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace” (Ephesians 4:1–3). I said “OUCH!” out loud.
The Bible doesn’t only tell us WHAT to do. It tells us exactly HOW to do it and the result of doing it! Walk worthy, with humility, gentleness, patience, love, and diligence. This preserves unity and peace. Again… OUCH.
As I meditated on walking worthy, I also attempted to take my thoughts captive and stop the unwholesome talk. Unwholesome doesn’t necessarily mean profane or even untrue. Our words can be negative, hurtful, contrary, rebellious, or obstinate. Another verse came to mind: “Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person” (Colossians 4:6).
The world’s idea of being “salty” may be sarcastic, rude, or overly critical. A Christian should be salty in a very different way. Our words should be gracious, drawing others toward Christ rather than pushing them away.
The best way to manage temptation is to be rooted in the Word of God. I can readily recall Scripture because I study and diligently make an effort to apply the Word. When His Word is written on our hearts and lighting our path, we are better equipped to walk worthy of our calling.
