Ephesians 4:29-32
If you have ever worked an office job, you know for a fact that the “water cooler” is the go-to spot throughout the day. You can almost guarantee that someone will always be there. Over time, you begin to grow a work friendship or maybe even a true friendship. You may even find yourself going to the breakroom or cafe with them to enjoy small talk with them, all sounds good, right? Unfortunately, the “water cooler” tends to turn into a spot for gossip, inappropriate jokes, and comments about other coworkers or even family members. As Christians, we are called to put a stop to that, and trust me, I know it's hard. During my time working for GM, I got to see firsthand these exact things. Thankfully for me, I only had to deal with it for the first 2 weeks I was working before we got sent home due to Covid. However, for those of you who must deal with this, I encourage you to be like Jesus, shut the conversations down. Today's scripture tells us,
"29 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. 30 And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. 31 Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. 32 Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you."
We all know that it's going to be hard as we face the pushback from the world, but once again, it's our responsibility as Christians to walk in step with the Spirit and to be salt of the earth. Next time you hear a friend or coworker tell an inappropriate joke, shut it down. Next time you are out with your friends, and they begin to gossip about their spouse.... SHUT IT DOWN! When we are walking in step with the Holy Spirit, we will want to be like Christ. The question is, are you willing?
If you have ever worked an office job, you know for a fact that the “water cooler” is the go-to spot throughout the day. You can almost guarantee that someone will always be there. Over time, you begin to grow a work friendship or maybe even a true friendship. You may even find yourself going to the breakroom or cafe with them to enjoy small talk with them, all sounds good, right? Unfortunately, the “water cooler” tends to turn into a spot for gossip, inappropriate jokes, and comments about other coworkers or even family members. As Christians, we are called to put a stop to that, and trust me, I know it's hard. During my time working for GM, I got to see firsthand these exact things. Thankfully for me, I only had to deal with it for the first 2 weeks I was working before we got sent home due to Covid. However, for those of you who must deal with this, I encourage you to be like Jesus, shut the conversations down. Today's scripture tells us,
"29 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. 30 And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. 31 Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. 32 Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you."
We all know that it's going to be hard as we face the pushback from the world, but once again, it's our responsibility as Christians to walk in step with the Spirit and to be salt of the earth. Next time you hear a friend or coworker tell an inappropriate joke, shut it down. Next time you are out with your friends, and they begin to gossip about their spouse.... SHUT IT DOWN! When we are walking in step with the Holy Spirit, we will want to be like Christ. The question is, are you willing?
Posted in Devotional