Scenario 1: Woman sees Facebook posting that is offensive and inflammatory. Prudently, she addresses the note and unintentionally starts a firestorm for the one she was trying to avenge. On the one hand, she was successful in her support but on the other, she was detrimental because adverse effects resulted.
Scenario 2: Inadvertently, man sees old email that dealt with an issue of wife's old high school flame. Immediate response was anger and hurt and a few other emotions, causing mistrust to rear its ugly head. They talk about it and deal with it but the damage has been done; the seeds have sprouted and new ones have been planted.
Scenario 3: Eight-month-old baby begins discovering his independence and starts reaching for everything in sight. Child is told "no" and just doesn't quite understand this foreign language when previously he was offered many delights. Child continues straining for objects and is reprimanded, often with a gentle tap on the hand to bring the point home.
Hmn. Interesting yet unrelated themes, right? Maybe. Maybe not.
Ephesians 4:25-32 has quite the wealth of wisdom in it. Let's read it together:
Therefore, putting away lying, “Let each one of you speak truth with his neighbor,” for we are members of one another. 26 “Be angry, and do not sin”: do not let the sun go down on your wrath, 27 nor give place to the devil.28 Let him who stole steal no longer, but rather let him labor, working with his hands what is good, that he may have something to give him who has need.29 Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers. 30 And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. 31 Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice. 32 And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you.
Whew! I've read it through three times now and am still gleaning from it! So, now I want you to consider the definition for the word "no" as we continue on this train ride of thoughts. Per Dictionary.com, the word "no" means not in any degree or manner; not at all.
None. Nada. Zilch.
The key verse for me is 27: neither give place to the devil. Friends, if we don't let him in, if we don't listen to his lies, if we don't in any way, form, or shape give him a foothold then he cannot proceed in our lives! Yeah, I know (shakes head woefully) that this is easier said than done. But let's see what happens in the above stories when we do this.
Scenario 1: Woman could just let Facebook alone and deal with issues privately. That way, dirty laundry isn't aired nor are others put into uncomfortable situations. Result: the devil doesn't get the victory in tearing apart friendships. Verse 29 prevails!
Scenario 2: Man takes a moment to see this trick of Satan to get him to doubting and fearing and instead chooses to remember that this issue has been settled and his marriage is better for it. Result: Anger may still happen but sin does not as Satan is defeated in trying to tear down what God has brought together. Verse 26 allows the sun to come up in the morning because it did not set on wrath the previous night!
Scenario 3: People give this child whatever he wants and let him find out for himself what's good and what isn't. Kidding!!! Result of telling child "no" is that he learns that the flesh does not do so well when it gets everything it desires. Verse 28 allows the hands to do good rather than get smacked for messing in what doesn't need messed in.
Self-control is the key, friends. Which lock do you need to fit it in today? Let's pray!
Dear Lord,
I am a jumbled up mess again this morning. So many thoughts and so little brain to handle them all. Lord, quiet me. Still me. Allow me to take Your yoke and be blessed.
I'm tired. Weary in spirit at all of the fluff I see going on around me. Broken homes. Broken hearts. Broken lives. Sad eyes. Sad smiles. Sad souls.
Lord, You came so that our joy may be full. Fill me today, I pray. I'm running low and need a free refill of Your glory. I crave that abundant life You have provided. Allow me to feast at Your table this morning as I ponder the above verses and take them to heart.
Finally, Lord, thank You. My eyes are opened and they are fixed on You. My ears aren't listening to ol' slew foot. He's not going to trip me up when You are by my side. Stay close today, Father, is my prayer, asked in the name of Jesus. Amen.
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