Preparing for the Charge
Corrosion – Part 2

Scripture Reading:  Ephesians 4:25-32

Key Verse: Ephesians 4:31

Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice.

Let’s pick up where we left off yesterday—speaking of looking for corrosion of the soul.  The Apostle Paul identifies some of that corrosion that we are looking for: dishonesty (vs. 25); anger (vs. 26); stealing (vs. 28); unwholesome talk (vs. 29); bitterness, rage and anger, brawling, slander and all forms of malice (vs. 31).  This list tells us what to look for as we walk throughout our day.

            With this list in mind, let’s go deeper into our hearts where denial loves to rule!  Starting with dishonesty, think back over the last week or so and ask yourself if you have been completely honest in all your conversations?  Continue down Paul’s list.  Is your anger under control?  Are there times when you take things from the office that really belong to the company?  The next one is tough: Did any unwholesome talk come out of your mouth this past week?

            As you continue down Paul’s list, it will be difficult to demand complete disclosure; your heart will want to cover up the failures, but confession is the “cleaning solution” to these corrosive behaviors.  If we confess our sins and do our best to walk in all of God’s light, we can enjoy fellowship with God our Father (1 John 1:7).  John encourages us that if we confess our sin, God is faithful to forgive and cleanse (1 John 1:9).

Father, I confess to you all the corrosive behaviors that I am allowing in my life.  Forgive and cleanse me from all unrighteousness.  In Jesus’ name, amen.