Godless Chatter
Avoid godless chatter, because those who indulge in it will become more and more ungodly. (2 Timothy 2:16)
AVOID
A big red flag comes up in my mind when I see this word. In fact, today I was thinking about this verse while I watched someone read a tabloid magazine next to me on the plane. I wasn’t necessarily thinking that I needed to avoid her or people that read magazines. In fact, I found out she has served our country in the military for 10 years. Her husband just returned from Iraq not too long ago. What reminded me of the verse was how often people get caught up in the godless chatter of this world. The person next to me was reading stuff that was most likely stretched far from the truth or even if it was true; was it anybody’s right to read about another person’s life in a gossip magazine?
In fact, one of the flight attendants stopped by her seat and noticed one of the articles. She too got caught up in what was in the magazine. Who is doing what? Who is wearing what? Who said what? Don’t we do this to each other; inside the church and outside the church. We may not publicize it in a magazine, but we easily get caught up in godless chatter. That is why Paul took the time to write about it in 2 Timothy. He was warning the people of his day to not use their words carelessly. We need to do the same. We need to be careful with each word we say. Hold captive the thoughts that you think and the words that you say will better serve the life you live for the King above!
The verse goes on to say that godless chatter leads to a life of ungodliness. The more we get caught up in the world and things that people around us are talking about; the less we will look like the One who is wanting to transform us. We need to constantly go back to the Word of God, the words that are breathing life into us. The words that will not take life from us. Will you choose to breathe life into those around you? Will you choose to cut the next conversation off that doesn’t have anything to do with God? Will you choose to stay away from conversations that are of godless chatter, mindless matter, and careless thinking? Will you choose to engage in conversations that bring Jesus love alive with every breath you take? Only you can make the choice. Start with the next conversation you have!
Dear Father God, I pray that my conversations will be seasoned with Your grace. May I find myself in silence, if my words do not hold Your standard of love, peace, and grace! I pray that my words will be uplifting to those around me and most of all I pray they will uplift the name of Jesus!
Choosing to Stay Away from godless Chatter,
Thank you for posting this. I was recently not to suttly called a gossip. So I did some research in my Bible and dictionary and found that although I’m sure I do gossip at times. I am not a gossip, I love the truth, and I have a very high intolerance for lies, even over small things. Also I realized that the need I have to ingadge in real conversations and not just how’s the weather is something that God put in me. I want to have those deep conversations and relationships that allow my mind not to stay idle. I spend time watching TV, playing on the computer, and doing other things in a effort to decompress and relax, but I believe it is so vital to keep our minds occupied and our thoughts on God and His words and what He wants from us and for our lives. Thank you for putting this so beautifully, and for bringing it to the attention of others.
Have a blessed day!
Jennifer
Jennifer,
I’m so glad this post could be a blessing to you. It’s tough when someone calls you out as a gossip, but it’s a great opportunity to dig into the Word of God. It’s great to hear that you have done that. Continue to lean on God and His understanding will not fail you. I understand what you mean about needing real conversations, I’m the same way. I can’t handle too many light conversations for very long. Just ask my husband! I like the deep stuff! So if you ever need someone to talk deep stuff with, just drop me a line! Remember, “as iron sharpens iron, so does one man sharpens another (Proverbs).” I pray the Lord continues to guide you in your steps ahead.
~Sarah
what a relevation! I needed to read this so bad, I pray that god lead me in my voice to lift people up instead of gossip to bring them down.. thanks for posting this….
Deb,
I’m so glad to hear that this post was able to encourage you. I pray that God uses you in many ways to bless the people around you. May you continue to be guided by the Lord in all His ways for you!
~Sarah
My kids learned an acronym for “think” while playing for a christian soccer camp one year. James tells us to “be quick to listen and slow to speak and slow to become angry.” We need to think before we speak. Is what your about to say Truthful? Is it Helpful? Is it Important? Is it Necessary? And is it Kind. THINK, truthful, helpful, important, necessary, kind. Great words to chew on!
In His Hands,
John
That’s a great acronym. I might use that in one of my devotionals. I’ll let people know I heard it from you. It’s very challenging and thought provoking. Thank you for sharing it with me.
In His Grip of Grace,
Sarah
Am so blessed with this article. I used 2Tim. 2;15-16 for my quiet time and I needed more explanation so, I came across this. It was so helpful and relieving. I will surely avoid or flee from unholy chatting. Thank you Sarah.
Julie,
On behalf of our Team, we appreciate your comment and so grateful that this ministered to you.
This post reminds me of another verse that was my reading this morning.
Psalms 19:14,
Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart
be acceptable in your sight,
O Lord, my rock and my redeemer. (ESV)
Enjoy your quiet times.
Blessings
When we give our thoughts on YouTube comments
We subtly ended up with godless chatter as we join in!!
Thank God for highlighting this to me and reminded me of His Word !!!
Thank You Jesus ❤️
I’m so glad this could be used to remind you that. May the Lord continue to direct you and give you wisdom for every step ahead!