In Paul’s letter to Christians at Ephesus, he urged. . .
“(4) Let there be no filthiness nor foolish talk nor crude joking, which are out of place, but instead let there be thanksgiving.” (Ephesians 5:4 ESV)
As Paul noted the three things he first mentioned as speech being “out of place” — because they are of the world and not of God — he noted what they were to be replaced with. Perhaps our minds could be drawn to replacing “filthiness” with speech that is pure, “foolish talk” with that which is wise, and “crude joking” with good clean humor. Such would be good. However, that is not what Paul went on to state. It was “thanksgiving” Paul noted was to be there instead. Merely replacing bad things with good things may simply be dependent on our own efforts. What we need to aid us the most is to keep our focus directed upward to God.
It is a focus of thanksgiving that ought to duly bring our focus up toward God; the Great Giver of all good things. When our focus is uplifted to such mindfulness of God, how could we engage in talk marked by those other things? With out focus continually and properly placed on God and all He has provided for us both physically and spiritually, thanksgiving should a highlight of our speech. In fact, regardless of our circumstances, it is God’s Will that we give thanks (1 Thessalonians 5:18) as we live mindful of His abiding mindfulness of us. May we never lose sight of the thanks He is due, as the character of our life and speech draw the attention of others to our abiding Divine connection!
Have a great day ENGAGING IN THE HIGH SPEECH OF THANKSGIVING!
Carl
