Beyond the Weekend

March 3 | Work and Words

March 3, 2023

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE

Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. Ephesians 4:29

Read: Ephesians 4:28-29
Listen:
Ephesians 4

TODAY’S MESSAGE

Paul begins his letter to the Ephesians church by talking about the grace of God and the gospel itself. Taking in the gospel will change their hearts and attitudes to reflect the gracious character of God. Two specific areas Paul addresses are work and words. He challenges those stealing to stop stealing and work, doing something useful. Then he challenges all to use their words in a way that builds others up. It isn’t enough to simply stop doing these two bad things. Paul encourages his readers to “do something useful with your own hands” and say “only what is helpful for building others up.”

These messages are helpful for us too. God rescued us because he loves us. He calls us his children. Living into and being grateful for that can change us into builders with our work and words. We are glad to bring our best and work with integrity because this honors God. This applies to work in an office, on a job site, in a classroom or at home. Also, it reflects the character of Jesus when we build people up with our words. It makes a difference not just what we want to say but what would build up those who hear us.

IN YOUR CHAIR TIME TODAY

Consider how you can be a builder with your work or words and take one tangible step to build into someone today. This might mean saying something encouraging, defending someone being gossiped about, or simply going out of your way to being kind with your words. Maybe it is working hard on something your boss asked you to, but you don’t want to. Find one thing you can do to build someone up with your work or words today.


2023 SPIRITUAL PRACTICES

Join us all of 2023 developing a different spiritual practice each month. SPIRITUAL PRACTICES are intentional regular activities to deepen our relationship with God and mold us to be more like Jesus.

March is FASTING. Keep track of our spiritual practices at beyondtheweekend.org/spiritualpractices.


Download a printable PDF of the BTW week here.

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