“Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.” Ephesians 4:29
Today’s Christian daily devotional
John and I are standing at the back of a very long line at our local bakery. It’s a lazy Saturday we are trying to figure out the perfect carbohydrate to indulge in. The intoxicating smell of fresh bread is laced with the sounds of the family standing in front of us.
“Kayla! Stop it.” The young mom scolds her rambunctious four year old.
A little girl in pink glitter boots immediately stops twirling. Loosing her balance, she tumbles onto the dirty floor, laughing uncontrollably.
Her two younger brothers join in on the fun. And, within a matter of seconds clapping hands and chaos erupt on the snow-streaked floor of that little storefront. Their laughter is infectious and I find myself almost wanting to join them.
“I’m sorry.” The mother pulls the two boys up by their jackets, her cheeks flushed with embarrassment. “Having kids can be a real nightmare.”
“So I’ve heard.” John chuckles softly, trying to ease her discomfort.
The line slowly moves along and the store is quiet for the first time since we’ve set foot in there. The energetic crew now has their little faces pressed hard against the bakery glass. A fresh batch of chocolate chip cookies has captured their full attention now.
The exhausted face of the young mother softens. “I didn’t mean that. It’s tough being a mom, but it’s well worth the trouble.”
Little Kayla slowly backs away from the glass display. She shuffles her boots as if they suddenly weighed a ton. Reaching over to cling to her mother’s leg, she sucks her thumb as the lids of her eyes blink heavily.
Over the years, several of my mommy friends have vented about the stresses of being a parent in today’s society. I must admit, this hasn’t done much to encourage John and I into delving comfortably into parenthood (without thinking really hard about it…)
Reading Ephesians 4:29 reminds me of the negative impact those countless horror child-rearing tales have had on my husband and I. Although many touching stories that have also been told, it’s those negative ones we both struggle to forget.
This reminds me of all the pessimistic (but well meaning, I’m sure) Christians I’ve encountered over my lifetime. After hearing so many miserable and complaining ones, I couldn’t help but notice how those negative attitudes started to impact my own hope in God.
Words leave a lasting impression. When the world encounters you, do you give them a positive impression of what God is capable of doing? Or, do you solidify the rumor that ‘God’s people’ are no different from the dark and hopeless world around them?
Watch what you say. You’re making an impact whether you realize it or not.
“Dear Heavenly Father,
I realize that I need to be more selective about the things I say. People are watching me and judging you by my actions.
This isn’t fair, but it is the way life and humans work. Lord, help me to be a good example for you. If I am having a bad day, help me to rest in you and be quiet. Help me to be wise with my words.
If I have a chance to bring you glory by mentioning a prayer that was answered or how you have worked in my life, help me not to be shy about sharing my joy. When I speak good things, it brings you glory and this is what Believers are supposed to do.
Help me to nurture people’s faith and hope, not destroy it. In Jesus’ precious name, give me a mind-ful mouth. Amen.”
Thank you for reading today’s Christian daily devotional on verse: Ephesians 4:29
Please check back and see what we have for you tomorrow!
Author: Julia Shalom Jordan