Let No Corrupt Word

Let No Corrupt Word

By Rev. Lonnie C. Crowe

We are currently navigating the maelstrom of political rhetoric which includes some truth and much name-calling, stone throwing and chaos on both sides.  As Christians, we are called to be salt and light and ambassadors of the Kingdom of God. 

Now, more than ever, we must stand for truth. We must not back away from righteousness. We must be firm in our defense of the things of God and our constitutional right to worship Him. In His Word, our Father has given us strategy for standing.  

Much of that strategy is found in Ephesians 6:11-18 (NKJV).  Paul wrote the epistle during his first Roman imprisonment. 

“Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.
Therefore, take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; 

above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God; praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints-- "

We do not struggle against flesh and blood. We struggle against spiritual forces of evil.   No matter what political forces are in play, what the Word says is right is right, and what the Word says is sin is sin.  While standing for the truth of God, we must also stand in the nature of God.  Our only offensive weapon is the sword of the Word delivered truth, righteousness, peace, faith.

Among those sinners highlighted in Romans 1:29-31 are whisperers, backbiters, haters of God, the violent, boasters, those who are undiscerning, untrustworthy, unloving, unforgiving, unmerciful. We must guard against sinking to the level of those who exhibit such behaviors.  

We must speak the truth in love (Ephesians 4:15) without resorting to harsh words and name-calling. We can be forceful, even aggressive, without being hostile.  

In Ephesians 4:29-31 (NKJV), Paul wrote (again from prison), “Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers. And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.  Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice.”

Holy Spirit of God, convict us of those times when, in standing for truth, we have grieved You. We repent of the bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor and malice that have spewed forth from our inner being.  We are reminded that out of our bellies should flow forth rivers of living water. We cry out according to Psalm 78:72, “Oh, God, our heart’s desire is that our government will be led by those who, like David, have integrity of heart and skillfulness of hand. Amen.”