“Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of such things God’s wrath comes on those who are disobedient.” (Ephesians 5:6 NIV)
Empty words are rampant in the world. News media are biased; the truth is hard to find. How are we to know what are empty words and what isn’t? God’s word.
Applying God’s word to your life illuminates truth. My most potent example: saying no to premarital sex; when I did, the truth revealed he was only interested in sex. If you are female and want to find out the character of the man you’re dating, don’t sleep with him. The truth shows quickly. A man who respects your boundaries is worthy of investing your heart. One who pressures you is thinking of himself more than he is you. Empty words revealed.
Focus on known truth.
To begin to identify the empty words in your life, focus on what you know is true. For me, truth starts with Jesus. The reality of His ministry is my reality. His death and resurrection enables me to have life to the fullest. As I seek Him through God’s word, applying His teachings to life situations, my faith deepens. Jesus becomes more and more truth to me the harder I chase after Him. As I do, He reveals what words are empty.
Scripture’s beauty is its applicability.
For instance, before cell phones, my high tech landline was programmable. As a way to memorize scripture, I recorded this verse as my “Wake-up Call” each morning:
“This is the day the Lord has made. We will rejoice and be glad in it.” (Psalm 118:24 NIV)
When I answered the phone each morning, my recorded voice read this passage. During that time, I found life hard to “rejoice and be glad in it.” Hearing this reminder changed my outlook. Positive words filled my mind first thing, altering my mindset. As each day passed, the scripture became more ingrained in my mind, changing my world view. My lens to the world became God’s word.
Years later, the same verse still applies. Truth is found in the passage: God created today, just like He created that day long ago. God’s word isn’t empty. Filled with wisdom and knowledge, they reveal the empty words of the world around us. Now, the scripture means so much more to me than it did then. When I rejoice, it is more heartfelt than ever, my gladness overwhelming.
Journeying with God daily deepens the meaning of His word. Applying His wisdom to your life reveals the truth. Empty words become easy to spot.
Question of the Day:
What empty words have God’s word revealed in your life?
Further Reading: Isaiah 51-53 NIV, Ephesians 5:1-33 NIV, Psalm 69:19-36 NIV, Proverbs 24:7 NIV
