Sticks and stones will break your bones, and words are even more hurtful.
Anna June.11.2003
Sometimes at work, while I am trying to ignore the callow behavior around me, I will find myself in the middle of a joke that has gone too far. I have figured out to stop joking when someone follows something I've said with an "Anna!! I've never heard you say something like that before!" Let me tell ya folks, all too often my joking is course and even uncouth.
Ephesians 5:4 says
Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving.
Ephesians 5:3 ends with
because these are improper for God's holy people.
A couple of weeks ago a young man I work with made this comment:"they're just words. What's the big deal if they make you laugh?" First and foremost, let's not forget that Jesus said in Matthew 12:34 that the mouth speaks from the overflow of the heart, so they aren't just words they come from our very being. Second, to give some back ground info, he asked me this shortly after I appologized for a comment I had made earlier that evening. I have always had a problem with thinking before speaking, especially when it comes to joking around. I really wish I could sit down at my computer and write as a wise woman who knows better than to be mean in my speach. I hate to admit to all of you that I am so weak in character that I would continue in doing what is unholy. I know, I know, we all fall short of the glory of God, but as I strive to be like Jesus, I become more and more dissatisfied with the way my life was before the day he became my Lord. The poop I allowed my self to be a part of then has all become stuff I need to learn from now. And yet, I find myself blessed by them, becuase they are constant reminders of how important it is to be pleasing to God.
I pray that my day-to-day testimonies are pleasing to God and helpful to all of you. I would just like to remind you, that when posed a question like I was (one you know is not in line with what God says in his word) to "let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of such things God's wrath comes on those who are disobedient." ( Ephesians 5:6) And when you are about to say something you shouldn't, be encouraged by God to remain pleasing to him. But always know that you will mess up, and with failier comes forgiveness, and even then he will continue to encourage your holiness.
