Introduction:
I would imagine that if you asked the residents of almost any town whether they believe the Bible is the word of God, most would say “yes.” Yet, it is easy to see that their belief does not affect how they live daily. This is most evident in people’s speech. Many believe there is nothing wrong with lying or taking God’s name in vain, to name just a few examples. But what about the Christian? What should characterise his or her speech? It’s to those questions in particular that we now turn our attention.
Christian Speech Should Be Truthful
Titus 1:2 informs us that God cannot lie. Paul instructed the Christians in Ephesus to be imitators of God. Therefore, we, as His children, are to be those who speak the truth.
Our speech reveals who we are truly following. Notice Christ’s words in John 8:44 ”You are of your father the devil, and the desires of your father you want to do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaks a lie, he speaks from his own resources, for he is a liar and the father of it.”. Those who lie are following the devil, not God.
Those of us who desire a heavenly home would do well to heed Revelation 22:14-15 ”Blessed are those who do His commandments, that they may have the right to the tree of life, and may enter through the gates into the city. But outside are dogs and sorcerers and sexually immoral and murderers and idolaters, and whoever loves and practices a lie.”. How much does heaven mean to you?
Speaking the truth is especially important when we discuss brothers and sisters in Christ (Ephesians 4:25 Therefore, putting away lying, Let each one of you speak truth with his neighbour, for we are members of one another). Thus, being a new person created according to God, speaking the truth signifies continual, habitual action. Can you imagine if the parts of your physical body lied to one another? What if your tongue told your stomach that what it had tasted was good when, in reality, it was poisoned? The body wouldn’t survive that for long. When honesty is not practised in Christ’s body, but lies and deception are, harm and division will follow.
Speaking the truth means keeping our promises whenever possible (Deuteronomy 23:21-23 When you make a vow to the Lord your God, you shall not delay to pay it; for the Lord your God will surely require it of you, and it would be sin to you. But if you abstain from making vows, it shall not be sin to you. That which has gone from your lips you shall keep and perform, for you voluntarily vowed to the Lord your God what you have promised with your mouth.). It is better not to make a vow than to make one and fail to keep it. Christians today should be known as people who keep their word.
Christian Speech Should Be Godly.
Ephesians 4:29 speaks of corrupt, rotten language. Recall that what comes out of your mouth indicates what’s in your heart (Matthew 15:18): But the things which proceed out of the mouth come from the heart, and they defile a man. If Christ dwells in our hearts by faith, our speech should reflect that fact.
Our ungodly speech can lead to more ungodliness (James 3:5-6). The reverse is also true. A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver (Proverbs 25:11). Our words can uplift others and strengthen them (Ephesians 4:29 Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers.
How do we, as Christians, ensure our speech is godly? We must continually focus on what is godly (Philippians 4:8-9 Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy meditate on these things. The things which you learned and received and heard and saw in me, these do, and the God of peace will be with you). True and upright everything that stands in opposition to lies and falsehood. Noble” honourable; dignified. “Just” righteous, right with God and men. Pure” innocent; free from shame. Lovely” worthy, pleasant, agreeable. Good report” having a good reputation. “Virtue” moral excellence. “Praiseworthy” worthy of praise. We must eliminate anything from our minds that does not deserve to be there. We must not allow anything to dwell in our minds that does not belong there.
How do we discern what is godly and what is not? By studying the Word! (2 Timothy 3:16-17 All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.) His Word helps us discern right and wrong, good and evil. We should approve the things that are excellent (Philippians 1:10 that you may approve the things that are excellent, that you may be sincere and without offense till the day of Christ,).
We must use the filter of God’s Word to take captive thoughts that may lead to ungodly speech (2 Corinthians 10:3-5 For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ). We must capture and expel sinful thoughts before they lead to sinful speech.
A Christian speech is vital to his eternal destiny (Matthew 12:34-37 Brood of vipers! How can you, being evil, speak good things? For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks. A good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth good things, and an evil man out of the evil treasure brings forth evil things. But I say to you that for every idle word men may speak, they will give account of it on the day of judgment. For by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned). Some here today, who are part of the body of Christ, may need to have their speech purified by repenting and asking God for forgiveness.
The Christian At Work
Jesus prayed for the apostles in John 17:15 as follows: I do not pray that you should take them out of the world, but that you should keep them from the evil one.” We, as followers of Christ, must learn to live in the world without becoming like it. We are not to wear our Christianity only inside the church building and then take it off outside. This is particularly important in the workplace. How do we navigate the workplace without becoming like many of our co-workers? How do we let our light shine at work? It is to these questions that we now turn our attention.
Work is ordained by God.
From the very beginning of mankind’s history, God has desired for man to labour in the same capacity (Genesis 2:15). Therefore, work or labour don’t inherently do evil; rather, it was made more difficult because of sin (Genesis 3:17-19).
The New Testament reinforces the principle that work is ordained by God (2 Thessalonians 3:10-12). Brother Leroy Brownlow, in his book The Christians’ Everyday Problems, lists several reasons why work is beneficial for people. For instance, it strengthens both our mind and body; one cannot truly appreciate rest unless one understands what work is. A lack of labour and activity can lead to idleness and being a busybody (1 Peter 4:15), among other issues.
Christians Should be Obedient in the Workplace (Ephesians 6:5-9).
Obedience is emphasized. This is, of course, as long as we are not told to do something that violates God’s law. We ought to obey God rather than men” (Acts 5:29). We are to be in subjection to our employers, even if they are harsh (1 Peter 2:18).
These verses tell us that we are submissive to our masters because we are truly serving the Lord when we do so (Colossians 3:22-24).
The Christian performs his work not just when the boss is looking but at all times. This is pleasing to the Lord.
Christians Must Remember Who They Are
We belong to Christ on Monday as well as on Sunday. Consider Titus 2:9-10. Note that Christians are, first and foremost, to be honest. Christians should be the most honest employees in the company. We are guided by a higher standard. Christians should be trustworthy in all things. By being like our Master, we adorn the doctrine before our earthly masters. Similar to 1 Timothy 6:1, others should see God in us.
Some Observations About the Workplace
We should let our employers know our religious obligations and then be consistent. If you inform your employer that you cannot work on Sundays, but later learn that the company is offering double pay for those shifts and decide to work, where’s your consistency? Where is your faithfulness? Are you truly putting the Kingdom first?
Christians should consider job promotions, among other things, in terms of how they will affect their service to God. Will it result in less time for family and church?
A Christian should never become a slave to their job. Christians must avoid being lured by materialism.
Christians should avoid every form of evil in the workplace including gambling. In the office, lotteries are simply another form of gambling, which is a sin!
Christians should sow the seed of the Kingdom in the workplace. They should have tracks available and keep their Bible handy. During breaks and lunch periods, they should always be willing to answer a co-worker’s religious questions.
Conclusion: a Christian can genuinely let his light shine in the workplace. This may influence those around him, and hopefully, some will be drawn to the cause of Christ. What about you? Are you on the Lord’s side? Have you been baptized for the forgiveness of sins?
Lesson has been delivered by: Bro Robert H Brown
