A Daily Devotion for Tuesday, May 6
- ontrakk
- May 6, 2025
- 1 min read
Ephesians 5:4
Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving.
Paul has a lot of advice and direction for new believers, especially leaders, in the church. Even today, we are inclined to respect those who know when and where it is appropriate to express humor. To be humorless is certainly not the goal, and can be off putting. But obscenity and off-color joking really have no place in the church. (Do they have a place at all?) I think the key is remaining respectful to God, in or outside of church, and remaining respectful to each other.
Holy Lord, as you have taught us, there is a time and place for humor. Help me to keep others and their feelings in mind and not offend. Help me, above all, to remain respectful and reverent to you. I am thankful beyond words for the grace you show me. Amen
Becky, transforming
Ephesians 5:4
As I read several versions of this verse, I was struck by how "The Message" begins Ephesians 1.
"Watch what God does, and then you do it, like children who learn proper behavior from their parents. Mostly what God does is love you."
If we do this, here can be NO obscene stories foolish talk or course jokes. Those who love as God does, simply doesn't use those devices. Now I know none of us is perfect, but if we are trying, these traits will be few and far between. The world around us DOES NOT set the example, God does.
Prayer: Gracious God, May I always be trying to Love as you do. I know I ofte…
Ephesians 5:4
Vulgarity and crudeness never puts anyone in a good light, but regretfully it is all around us. Sometimes in the entertainment industry, I believe sometimes the more obscene they are the more entertaining they think they are. In my mind, nothing could be further from the truth. As believers we should always strive to follow God‘s example. Paul gave us clear direction and we should follow it .
Dear Lord, please guide me to follow Your example and heed Paul’s words. Please help me to shut out the vulgarity and obscenity that is among us and focus on You. Amen.
Tuesday, May 6th, 2025
Ephesians 5:4
Let there be no filthiness nor foolish talk nor crude joking, which are out of place, but instead let there be thanksgiving.
Basically this verse tells us not to engage in negative behaviors or speech, instead choose to act with love, kindness, joy and a positive attitude.(fruit of the spirit) I profess to be a Christian, but I do not “preach” it. If my everyday behavior does not align with the teachings of Jesus ,then it would be quite clear that I am not a true christian. Does this mean that true christians never sin. No, not at all. No person, including a christian, is perfect. However, a true christian will confess their sins…
Ephesians 5:4
The coarsening of our public speech over the last 60 years has been astonishing and it reaches all the way down to grade school children. The church may well be the last oasis from the constant barrage of obscenity and coarse joking we experience in today’s culture. There is plenty of God-honoring humor in the world without our resorting to crudity as entertainment.
Prayer - Gracious God, grant me the discipline to curb my tongue away from any impulse to obscenity, coarse joking or foolish talk in all settings, not just Your church. Let my example of intentional effort in this area of life influence those around me. Amen
TAA