by Pastor John Kim

Greetings to the LBC family and friends!

Jonathan Edwards Resolution #38
Resolved, never to speak anything that is ridiculous, sportive, or matter of laughter on the Lord’ s day. (Sabbath evening, Dec. 23, 1722)

There are times when we often allow our lips to speak words that really are not appropriate. The Scriptures are very pointed in addressing sins of the tongue. James 3:8 talks about how the tongue cannot be tamed, that it is a restless evil and full of deadly poison. We might think that our speech is not that bad but when we are honest in evaluating ourselves, do we really speak to the glory of God with our very words? James 3:9-10 makes it clear that we can’t be double-tongued, blessing God one moment, only to curse men the next.

There are many that probably would think, “Not me! I’m not that bad in my speech.” Then let me ask you a question. Look back at the last Sunday when you were at church and ask yourself, “What did I talk about with people on the Lord’s day?” Was it ridiculous, sportive, or a matter of just laughing? At first glance this resolution seems almost legalistic. It definitely can be when it is imposed on someone else. But as you take time to inventory your words, do you seek to justify yourself by simply excusing your words as careless or “not a big deal” sort of mentality? It’s not that you can’t enjoy a laugh or talk about light-hearted topics at all. But I wonder if we were to just simply count the words that we say on any given day, be even just on a Sunday (when we supposedly are gathered for the purpose of worship and edifying one another), do we have more talk given over to things that really don’t matter?

Ephesians 4:29 talks about no unwholesome word coming out of your mouth but instead to edify and give grace through your speech. Ephesians 5:4 continues the idea with putting away of filthiness and silly talk and course jesting.

I’m not here to simply try and give you a guilt trip regarding this issue. It really is a matter of simply asking yourself, “How committed am I to seeking God’s glory in all things at all times? As most of us are given to talking a lot on a given Sunday, much less any other day, think about how you might make your words count for God’s glory.

In His grace,
Pastor John