It Starts Small

³ But sexual immorality and any impurity or greed should not even be heard of among you, as is proper for saints. ⁴ Obscene and foolish talking or crude joking are not suitable, but rather giving thanks. ⁵ For know and recognize this: Every sexually immoral or impure or greedy person, who is an idolater, does not have an inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God.⁶ Let no one deceive you with empty arguments, for God’s wrath is coming on the disobedient because of these things.

Ephesians 5:3-6

be heard of among you

We must prevent any opportunity for unbelievers to cast judgment upon us. We need to stand resolute in our commitment to uphold the integrity of our faith! When those who claim to be Christians engage in scandalous affairs and seek divorce, it is not just improper. It devastates the very essence of the church’s reputation. Such actions empower the accusers and provide them ammunition against us. We must remain vigilant, steering clear of any compromising situations! Let us ensure that our lives are beyond reproach. This way, those who wish to tarnish our name find nothing to latch onto. They are left speechless and unable to voice any accusations against us!

Billy Graham understood this vital truth with deep conviction. He recognized that any hint of scandal could arm Christ’s adversaries. They would gain the weapons they needed to assault the church’s integrity. Therefore, he established unwavering standards for himself. First and foremost, he resolutely refused to meet with a woman one-on-one, protecting both his reputation and mission. He also enlisted a dedicated team to scour his hotel room beforehand. They remained vigilant against any underhanded plots from those seeking to undermine him. He envisioned an adversary setting up a scenario with an immodestly dressed woman. She would be ready to capture a damaging photograph. This notion filled him with resolve. Even a false narrative could inflict irreparable harm on his ministry. He committed himself to never, ever be in a compromising position.

What if we held that same conviction. To never allow compromise to even knock on the door. To intentionally go through the day actually thinking about what we are doing and saying, with Christ in mnd, rather than going with the flow.

Christians as a body should be above reproach and stay far away from the wickedness listed in verse 3. They are putrid and evil and we should recognize them as such.

Obscene and foolish talking or crude joking are not suitable,

Evil, filthy, and malevolent words should never tarnish our speech. Here, we draw a firm line against such corrosive language. We must shun any form of cursing, distasteful jokes, or sordid banter. These are the very things that once led parents to resort to soap for their children’s mouths. This kind of talk may pervade society. It is often mistaken for humor or considered a badge of masculinity. Within the sacred walls of the church, we must uphold a higher standard. We must ensure that not even a whisper of it taints our gatherings.

We need to guard our mouths and using speech that is nonsensical and has no value. This could include speculation about impossible things. Excessive joking and flirtatious or wishful talk speech. “Do you think so and so likes so and so? Don’t you think so and so is handsome? So and so looked at me and I think he likes me.” Such talk is silly and has no value.

God endowed us with a vibrant sense of humor, and indeed, joking can be a source of positivity and health. Yet, we must recognize that it can also overstep boundaries, turning destructive in its wake. When does lighthearted banter teeter on the edge of triviality? Sarcasm is the most vile of language. It is a hurtful word spoken as a joke towards another person. Should we silence our laughter altogether? It’s a profound challenge to discern the line between joyful jesting and mere foolishness!

Here are a few principles to consider:

• Speak less and embrace the power of listening more intently. Be swift to absorb, and deliberate in your words. A torrent of words breeds discord, while the art of listening fosters harmony and understanding.
• What is the opposite of silly talk? It’s meaningful talk! Engage in profound, heartfelt conversations that resonate deeply with others. Your discussions should transcend mere jokes and superficial chatter. Shun empty talk that achieves nothing of real significance. Embrace dialogue that fosters understanding and connection, igniting a spark of eternal value!
• Control ourselves! We must seriously consider whether our so-called “harmless” jokes might inflict pain on others. Is it damaging our reputation? Does it chip away at someone’s spirit? Are we indulging in rudeness or misguiding those around us? Does it uplift us or drag us down? Remember, inflicting hurt while chuckling does not make it any less painful! Once words leave our lips, they are irreversible.
• Course jesting. This is not merely joking; it’s a cruel form of humor that inflicts pain on others. It is profoundly unedifying and deeply unpleasant to endure. Often, just a couple of individuals engage in this harsh banter. The rest of us sit in absolute discomfort. We are acutely aware that the laughter echoing around us is laced with hurt and degradation. It’s a toxic atmosphere that stifles joy and dampens spirits, leaving an indelible mark on our sense of camaraderie.

Our speech is important.

Let us cast aside all forms of unworthy speech and, instead, embrace the powerful act of giving thanks! Our words should soar in glorification of God. They should shine a light on the exquisite gifts and grace He has generously bestowed upon us. They must become vibrant testimonies of His transformative grace in our lives! Let us wield our words with positivity, igniting hope and joy rather than negativity!

does not have an inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God

Paul delivers an urgent and impassioned warning! The wicked are in grave danger. They do not belong to God, cannot enter heaven, and are the very sons of disobedience. Some may whisper comforting reassurances. They claim that once we confess our sins and are saved, there’s no need to worry too much. “Don’t stress yourself out,” they say.

But let’s be clear: this caution is unambiguous! Those who live in such ways are not truly saved. We must earnestly take this warning to heart, genuinely repent, and shun this destructive lifestyle. If we continue to indulge in such behaviors, we are not in God’s family. A true believer will deeply repent and passionately long for righteousness! They will be acutely sensitive to sin, growing in their disdain for it. The authentic follower will heed these stern warnings. They strive to avoid the treacherous path that leads to destruction. In contrast, the unbeliever will remain indifferent. They ignore the dire consequences of their choices.

Don’t be fooled! It doesn’t matter if you’ve uttered a prayer or not. If these character traits define us, then we are merely lost souls. We are far from belonging to God.

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Cross References:

• Proverbs 12:23
• Matthew 12:34-37
• Ephesians 5:19-20
• Colossians 3:17
• Revelation 21:27
• 1 John 3:7-8

Reflective Questions:

• What does it mean that immorality, impurity, and greed must not be named among us?
• Does this mean we should keep our mouth shut about it?
• What is silly talk?
• Can you give any examples?
• What is course jesting?
• Why are these kinds of talk not fitting?
• What do these instructions tell us about our speech?
• With what kind of speech should we replace this wicked speech? Giving of thanks to whom?
• What warning does Paul give in verses 5-6?
• Does this mean that believers will be perfect? If not, then what does it mean?
• How should we, as professing believers, take this warning?
• What would you say to someone who tells you not to worry about it because you have prayed the salvation pray and cannot lose your salvation?

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