Once-in-awhile, you wonder what really matters in life. Frankly, I believe thinking, speaking, and behavior matters – in every relationship:
Parent-child.- Teacher-student.
- Government-citizen.
- Boss-employee.
- Even friend-friend.
Without being well-thought, well-spoken, and well-behaved, relationships can be compromised – even shallow. Sadly, they can become destructive.
Conversely, when a person thinks carefully, their speaking and behavior becomes meaningful. Additionally, this benefits everyone around them.
Interestingly, thinking, speaking, and behavior matters even globally. Let’s explore.
Tear Into It – Thinking, Speaking, And Behavior Matters
There are always four categories we explore in Scripture Dissection:
- What Does It Say?
- What Does It Mean?
- Make It Personal.
- Make A Commitment.
1. What Does It Say?
Phil. 4:8 – “Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.”
Eph. 4:29 – “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths [or use bad language – TLB], but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.”
Eph. 4:30-31 – “And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice [behaviors].”
That’s what those verses say.
2. What Does It Mean?
Before we look at each verse, here are helpful ideas.
Thoughts have power. Interestingly, thoughts are like the wind. Invisible. Yet, just like the wind powers a windmill or a sail on a ship, thoughts have power. Additionally, thoughts can take you to a very good place . . . or to a place you really shouldn’t go.
Words have power. Realistically, words can heal or wound. Also, they have power to change both perspective and behavior. Whether words are lies or truth, the power of speaking them normalizes how you think and what you then practice. This can be very good or extremely bad.
Behavior has power. Have you noticed the power of a commercial? Marketers know that in just seconds – as you watch quick, short snippets of what people are doing on screen to demonstrate a product – you are influenced to become a buyer.
Dig In!
Now, we dig into each verse and interact.
Phil. 4:8
“Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.”
Basically, this verse appeals to your human nobility. Essentially, that you are made in God’s image. And every one of those descriptive words (true, noble, right, pure, etc.) is how you should think all day. If your thoughts don’t match up with this list, trade out your thoughts for what’s on this list. Afterall, this kind of thinking is how God thinks.
Eph. 4:29
“Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths [or use bad language – TLB], but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.”
Interestingly, this verse starts with a definite how NOT to speak. Subsequently, unwholesome talk includes whatever focuses on negativity, deceptions, lies, meanness, etc. Notice one translation includes “bad language.” Then, the verse describes what you should say – whatever sincerely builds another person up, based on their needs. Interestingly, it’s “other” centered. Very community and world focused.
Eph. 4:30-31
“And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice [behaviors].”
Remarkably, this verse goes deeper – to the core of human nature. By inference, it includes thoughts. Plus, it includes speech. Consequently, it addresses behavior. In other words, the focus is on intimate relationship with God – and knowing when you grieve His Spirit. It also infers you have power to make the right decisions.
Applying These Verses Affects –
- First, the way you approach problems.
- Next, evaluation of your choices.
- Also, your personal power to do the right thing.
- Plus, your efforts and desire to be like Jesus.
- Finally, how you approach family, friends, colleagues.
That’s what those verses mean.
3. Make It Personal
Make it personal implies observable changes in your life and relationships.
Thinking, Speaking, And Behavior Matters
In reality, the first action point to thinking, speaking, and behavior is to believe it matters.
Frankly, Scripture sometimes “gets in your face.” Nevertheless, the guidance of God’s Word is essential to live an Alive and Active Life.
- Quite literally, Scripture gives wisdom to know what to do.
- Plus, God’s Word provides insight to creatively develop healthy patterns of thought, speech, and behavior.
- And finally, Scripture sets boundaries on each side of your life – like runway lights keep a plane in the right lane.
Let’s explore how to make each verse personal.
Phil. 4:8
“Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.”
As soon as a thought enters your mind, put it through this grid. If it doesn’t pass, don’t allow that thought to turn into words or behaviors Afterall, words and behaviors start in thoughts. Notice the verse ends with “think about such things.” So, it all starts in your mind.
If something comes to mind that’s not true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent, praiseworthy – dump it.
Contrastingly, if thoughts line up with this grid, start looking for creative and encouraging words to make the world a better place. Plus, engage behaviors that prove you are genuine – made in God’s image. Interestingly, this is how to prove God cares – by what you do.
Eph. 4:29
“Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths [or use bad language – TLB], but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.”
This is a high bar for your speech to represent God, Himself. Can you ever picture a scenario where God lets out a string of expletives – or gossips about “so and so,” or expresses something nasty? Of course not.
God wants you to build up your family, friends, community, nation, and this broken, hurting world. What are you doing to benefit those who hear your words? Do you prove you care about others’ needs by how you speak?
Eph. 4:30-31
“And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice [behaviors].”
Did you know you have the power to grieve God’s Spirit? Ouch! God’s Spirit has literally done the work to seal you for eternity. So, why would you ever think, say, or do something to grieve Him and damage that relationship?
Here, again, is a list of things to not do: bitterness, rage, anger, brawling, slander, malice.
If you don’t act well for your own personal character development, at least get rid of choices that grieve God’s Holy Spirit! He wants intimate relationship with you. In fact, He says, “You will hear a voice behind you saying, ‘this is the way, do this.’ ” (Is. 30:21) That’s how much God cares about you.
Action Points To Help Make It Personal
- Memorize today’s verses. In fact, memorize lots of Scriptures for guidelines you need.
- Pause and pray about your thoughts, words, and behaviors before you engage them.
- Be “present” each moment to consider how to best contribute to what is happening.
- Be focused to partner with God from your heart.
- Identify areas you need to change.
- Track your progress and be encouraged as you sincerely strive forward.
That’s how you make these verses personal.
4. Make A Commitment – Application Thoughts and Questions
Have you realized your thinking, speaking, and behavior matters?- Are you working hard to think thoughts that are true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent, and praiseworthy?
- Which specific action points in this content do you find most helpful?
- Are you leaning into God’s Holy Spirit to hear all He’s saying to you?
- What do you need to change?
- Do you have conviction to live so you don’t grieve God’s Holy Spirit?
- Importantly, stay connected to Jesus as you live each day. He lives inside your heart. So –
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- First, strive to stay in step with Him.
- Additionally, stay safely in His love and enjoy Him.
- Pray for guidance, strength, and power.
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For Your Quiet Time!
* Portions of this content come from my book – e-Pistles For An i-Generation: Relevant In A Digital Age – a devotional book that takes you through 1 and 2 Corinthians. You’ll find practical action points that help you know God better and nurture personal growth. You can find this book in our bookstore: www.aliveandactivelife.org/store.
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