This morning at Evangel I preached through Ephesians 4:17-32. Commenting on verse 29 “Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear…” I mentioned that Augustine had a sign hanging over his dinning room table which read:
“Whoever speaks evil of an absent person is not welcome at my table.”
When I first read that quote my heart was quiet with conviction. Across the congregation that same silence fell this morning. I am praying that God will help me be a good example of one whose speech is edifying and graceful—like a gift to those who hear it.
Once in my grandmother and grandfather Shipley’s home I remember seeing a thought-provoking plaque. It read:
“Christ is the head of our home.
He is the unseen guest at every meal.
He is the silent listener to every conversation.”
God help me remember that I live and move and breathe and think and speak Coram Deo—in the presence of God.
Ken Pierpont
Granville Cottage
Riverview, Michigan
February 26, 2017