August 6, 2022Dear friends,
Last week in this space, we looked at two areas in life where we need to heed God’s warnings, as examined in the following article: https://www.ibelieve.com/faith/10-warnings-in-the-bible-we-don-t-take-seriously-enough.html. Today, let’s look at the next two areas:
“3. Make Sure to Test the Spirits
Many people are quick to jump on board of new ideas and trends. Yet consider the following words: “Dear friends, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world” (1 John 4:1).
So how do we test the spirits? Often, our own feelings and understanding can lead us astray as Proverbs 16:25 describes, “There is a way that appears to be right, but in the end it leads to death.”
Instead, Scripture urges us to “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to Him, and He will make your paths straight” (Proverbs 3:5-6).
By turning to God’s word to see what is written concerning a new idea or trend, along with praying and asking God to reveal the truth to us, we can test the spirits.
4. Let Go of Empty Words
Why are words so important? Does it really matter what we say?
Jesus explained why they do matter, “But I tell you that everyone will have to give account on the day of judgment for every empty word they have spoken” (Matthew 12:36).
So what exactly is an empty word? “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen” (Ephesians 4:29).
Ephesians 5:4 goes on to explain in more detail, “Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk, or crude joking, which are out of character, but rather thanksgiving.”
Even if we have spoken empty words in the past, going forward we can commit to choosing our words carefully. As Colossians 4:6 encourages, “Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.”
Like David, we can commit our words to God. “May these words of my mouth and this meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer” (Psalm 19:14).”
This summer, while you probably have more “free” time than during the rest of the year, determine to read God’s Word and meditate on it, asking the Lord to guide you to be a blessing to others.
Scripture for the weekend: “Give thanks to the Lord, call on His name; make known among the nations what He has done. Sing to Him, sing praise to Him; tell of all His wonderful acts.” Psalm 105:1-2 (NIV)