Are you a Grumbler? Do you fit the Corrupt mode?

"Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers."  Ephesians 4:29. NKJV

Paul here is teaching on using the right type of words when dealing with people. It is so easy to respond to someone who is being critical towards you. This is why you and I have to be in control of what comes out of our mouths. Paul uses the word 'Corrupt' and, for a very good reason. The definition of this word can mean 'decayed, rotten, as in rotted meat or fruit.' I'm sure that we have all smelt things such as this and, it is not very pleasant. Take a walk round some Land Fill places and you'll realise what I mean. So this word is very aptly chosen by Paul. When we speak corrupt words to someone, they hear these words and are possibly offended and may retaliate. Also when we speak, we hear these words to and they are contaminating the Holy Spirit within us. He becomes hurt and offended. 

There are many ways where we use corrupt words. What about criticism and being judgemental; surely they fit this bill. And then, gossip must also be a contender. When we moan and groan about something or someone also fits into the box named Corrupt as does using filthy words and course jokes. We have to be so careful. We need to edify people with our words and this means ourselves too. Self-edification is helpful recognising when we are entering the moaning mode; when we are close to a good grumble about something or other; self-edification is also helpful in keeping our mouths closed. 

Remember, grumblers die in the desert. The Israelites were good at this. We only have to read in Exodus 16+18, especially 16:8. Here Moses told them: 'for the LORD hears your complaints which you make against Him. And what are we? Your complaints are not against us but against the LORD.' This is a scary realisation; when we grumble, moan and complain about things the pastor, elder, church, brother of sister has said or done, we are complaining about them. Be careful here, the entire adult population from 20 years and upward, with the exception of Joshua and Caleb, were forbidden to enter Canaan and died in the desert (Her 3:16-19).

It is helpful to realise that when we are in the grumbling mode etc we are opening the door for the devil to come and hit us with all that he has. When we're grumbling, moaning or in a critical mood we've stepped away from God. There is no praise and worship coming from us; not even a sign of the Holy Spirit. We are just wrapped up in this corrupt mode, and we are going to go nowhere until we shake this off in the name of Jesus. 'I've tried that.' Well try harder. 'It's not easy, everything goes wrong for me. You don't know the half.'  Well, what I do know is that, throwing a pity party is going to get you nowhere. 'Well I've tried all I can but nothing has worked.' Well get your head in your bible and find Ephesians 6:13 which says:

'Therefore take up the whole armour of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all TO STAND.'

Did you get that, stand, stand and keep on standing; don't lay on the floor feeling sorry for your self. Get up and stand!

If you don't know Jesus or, have fallen away, why not say this prayer right now:

'Lord Jesus, I have sinned and I ask you to forgive me and be my Lord and Saviour. Please come into my heart, fill me with Your Spirit and give me a brand new start today.

In Jesus' Name. Amen'

Copyright 2024 Grahame Howard.                                

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