Recently, a woman had oral surgery and awoke from the procedure with one alteration she wasn’t expecting. The work on her mouth went well, but the words that came out of her mouth sounded strange. Her Northwestern US tone had been replaced by an accent straight out of Transylvania. Her condition? Foreign accent syndrome—a neurological condition that has been documented just 60 times over the past 100 years. Something happened between the time the woman received anesthesia and when she came to. And it appears her new accent will stay with her for the rest of her life.
In portions of Ephesians 4 and 5, the apostle Paul placed the accent on a new way of talking for believers in Jesus. He implored his readers to speak in a godly, grace- seasoned way: “Don’t use foul or abusive language. Let everything you say be good and helpful.” Why? “So that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them” (Ephesians 4:29).
In other words, the things you say will identify you with Jesus and “the truth that comes from Him” (Ephesians 4:21, see Ephesians 5:2), or not. When you choose to litter your language with foul or abusive terms (Ephesians 4:29)—harsh words, slander (Ephesians 4:31), obscene stories, foolish talk, and coarse jokes (Ephesians 5:4)—you reveal a heart of darkness, not the light of Christ (Ephesians 5:8).
Paul states, “This light within you produces only what is good and right and true” (Ephesians 5:9). Light, not from your own means, but produced as the “[Holy] Spirit renew[s] your thoughts and attitudes” (Ephesians 4:23). He alone can make your speech “truly righteous and holy” (Ephesians 4:24).
So how’s your new way of talking going? Are your words revealing the light of Christ or are they exposing the darkness in your heart? Allow the Holy Spirit to season your speech today.
NLT 365-day reading plan passage for today: Judges 6:1-40
More:
Read Proverbs 4:23-24 and note how Solomon addressed the importance of a pure heart and clean speech.
Next:
What needs to change in your word choices and way of communicating? How can you reflect the light of Jesus in your speech today
lindafrances on March 8, 2012 at 8:52 am
This morning I KNEW God would set me straight for a political discussion on a conservative blog I was on yesterday. My words were harsh and foolish. I thought I was defending a candidate who I believed is a man of faith. I’m sure he is, but my attempt to defend him from people saying terrrible things about him, lead me to say things I must now apologize for. It’s easy to make excuses, but I believe my worse mistake was not my words, but not trusting God and thinking I was going to change people’s mind, when only He can do that. That is very arrogant of me.
tom felten on March 8, 2012 at 9:04 am
lindafrances, thanks so much for you honesty. It’s so easy to let our words become stronger and harsher than we intend, particularly in an emotional political discussion! I love your perspective that only God can change a person’s heart . . . and views. Great reminder! Let’s pray for those we disagree with, strive to speak winsomely to them in love, and leave the results to God.
eppistle on March 8, 2012 at 9:33 am
I’m concerned about how crass the English language has gotten in the 21st century. This crassness has seeped into many Christians’ speech and fb pages. To hide a cuss word in an acronym doesn’t decrease the sin. Usually when a “f” or an “a” is in the word, it’s a violation of Paul’s exhortation in Ephesians 5:4: “Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talkr or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving.” When there’s a “g” in the acronym, it’s usually an indication that people are not remembering to keep God’s name holy.
On one hand, let’s not get legalistic, but on the other hand, let’s be beyond reproach. Sure we can find ways to justify anything we want, but let’s hold ourselves to a higher standard. We need to ask ourselves if we are glorifying God in our communication. We can still communicate effectively with this generation without having to sink to crassness.
tom felten on March 8, 2012 at 10:02 am
Thanks, eppistle. Your thoughts on the use of the “g” in fb, tweets, or texts reminded me of an odj devo fellow odj writer Jeff Olson wrote. Check it out here.
elizamae on March 8, 2012 at 10:23 am
I don’t struggle with the use of foul language, but I certainly struggle with the use of a foul tone.
Usually, the foul tone is with my dear children.
Sarcasm, aggravated sighs, and a generally irritated tone might be even worse than the occasional use of an obscenity.
Thank you for this reminder to use my words as an encouragement to those around me.
tom felten on March 8, 2012 at 10:44 am
Great point, elizamae. It can be hard not to return a harsh volley of words with the same tone that was directed our way, but—by the work of the Holy Spirit within us—it’s possible to use a tone that is Christlike. It’s like my wife and I have often said to each other: you can’t control what another person will say, but you can control how you will reply. May we reply with a tone and with words that reflect the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23)!
Ethan on March 8, 2012 at 10:45 am
I agree with elizamae and yes,we should really use our words as an encouragement to the people around us.Our abilities to speak is a gift from God and i think it will be good to start praying that we will use this gift to glorify His Name but not to use it to satisfy our own selfish desires. Well,to be honest,i am also not doing the right thing .I have been training a friend to play basketball for around 3 years,and whom is also a christian,but i forgot since when,we started to have the habit of calling one another “fool” and “retard” whenever one of us made a mistake during games.We even treat it as a form of amusement.Now,after reading this post i think i want to trust God that I will correct this bad habit.Thank you for the post i find it as a good reminder!
tom felten on March 8, 2012 at 10:51 am
Good stuff, Ethan. Being a hoops player myself, I get how friendly banter or “trash talking” can be sinful. Thanks for challenging all of us to keep it clean everywhere . . . even on the court!
Ethan on March 8, 2012 at 10:59 am
You are welcome!Lets play the sports with a Christ-centered heart and use it to glorify His Name!God bless you!