The Special of the Day… From the Orange Moon Cafe…
(a repeat from 2013)
"The Message You Will Never Read"
I wrote a message yesterday that, upon reflection, I realized to be little more than a rant. I therefore chose not to burden you with words that failed to meet the test of Biblical communication and ministry.
"Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers" (Ephesians 4:29).
Let me say that I believe the thoughts I expressed in the essay to be true, and I am confident of my analysis and interpretation. Moreover, I believe that Christians must express the bad along with the good if we are to faithfully declare the truth. The Bible does not fail to expose and warn, and we do ourselves and each other no favors by ignoring the present darkness in which we live as "the children of light" (I Thessalonians 5:5). The Apostle Paul referenced "warning every man" in the determination of love that lets people know when the path ahead leads to danger and destruction (Colossians 1:28).
The problem involved attitude and intention. Upon reflection, I realize I had climbed upon a soapbox for the purpose of expressing personal distaste and even disgust, rather than seeking to edify. No grace would have been ministered by the words I wrote, but rather a grating snarl with which you would likely have agreed, but which would have dragged you down rather than built you up. I wrote angry, as it were, which violates a primary rule by which I seek to communicate God and His truth. I have never found such expression ministry to accomplish anything more than a personal catharsis and venting that may cause me to feel better, but which provides little benefit to hearers. Again, there is certainly much in this present world that elicits a proper and righteous indignation. Preaching, teaching, and writing from such an emotional sensibility, however, rarely ministers the genuine grace and truth of the Lord Jesus Christ.
"And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient, in meekness instructing those that oppose themselves" (II Timothy 2:24-25).
So, all this to say you won't have to read about the sad fact they have changed the chocolate on my favorite chocolate peanut butter cups!!!! :):) Actually, that is not the issue I addressed in the message you'll never read (although they have changed the chocolate, and it is really impor… uhoh!). No, I simply write to confess a far more important wayward path I traveled for awhile yesterday, a detour upon which I almost invited you to journey with me. I might also suggest that Paul's admonition to "let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth" provides a vital warning sign to erect in our hearts and minds regarding the sharing of our perspectives. I barged through the barrier myself in a rant rather than a ministering of grace and truth in Christ. I am glad the Lord kept me from taking you along.
"Grievous words stir up anger."
(Proverbs 15:1)
"Hold fast the form of sound words, which thou hast heard of me, in faith and love which is in Christ Jesus."
(II Timothy 1:15)
Update, November 2022: they seemed to have realized their error, that is, the folks who make the peanut butter cups. Not long after I wrote this piece, the chocolate returned to its traditional taste and texture. It remains so to this day. Whew!
Weekly Memory Verse
"The fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness and righteousness and truth."
(Ephesians 5:9)
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