Ephesians 4:29-32
Verse 30 And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.
It may seem like we have spent most of our time with the breastplate talking more about our mouth than our heart, but as we said the other day, Jesus was clear about our words reflecting the truth of our heart (Matthew 12:33-37). So if we are going to protect our heart with His righteousness, we need to mind what comes from our mouth.
Sadly, watching what we say is not as common in our time as it has been in the past. It is so easy to type out what we are thinking and hit send or enter without giving it the careful consideration we should be taking. Nearly gone is the art of thinking before one speaks. Though people say, “think before you speak” we rarely put the thought necessary into what is coming off our tongue.
Paul wanted to make sure his friends in Ephesus knew not just about obscene talk but about the language of the heart. The list the last couple of days focused on the words which are obviously worldly but today’s list shows places where the line between righteousness and worldliness are a bit more blurry. Each of these sins of the mouth start with sin grown in the heart. The previous list could fall more in a category of sins of opportunity while this list could be better categorized by premeditated thoughts.
Before starting this list Paul points out how these things grieve the Holy Spirit. It is important for us to think about things in light of the Holy Spirit living in us. We sometimes act as if the Holy Spirit is somewhere far off who comes to our aid when we need His guidance or as some being sitting on one of our shoulders whispering in our ear, but the truth is when we accept Jesus as the Lord of our life, the Holy Spirit comes into our being.
When we allow the things listed to be a part of our lives we show we have allowed the enemy space behind our breastplate. The Holy Spirit cannot coexist with the enemy and so we cannot let these things into our life. We must use His righteousness to guard our hearts from all things which would grieve Him
Making It Personal
Which of these sins do you battle with most? How can these things be a danger to your righteousness? Do you need to purge your heart from any of these today?
Making It Personal Kids
Do you struggle with any of these sins? Why are they dangerous? Do you have one of these which you would like to ask Jesus to help you get rid of?
Closing Prayer
Father, we confess these things can so easily take root in our hearts. Help us keep your breastplate of righteousness close so we don’t grieve Your Holy Spirit. In Jesus’ name, amen.