June 22, 2026 | Be Connected
The Pollution Meter of Your Mind and Mouth
Scripture: Ephesians 5:1-7(NIV)
1 Follow God’s example, therefore, as dearly loved children 2 and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.
3 But among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed, because these are improper for God’s holy people. 4 Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving. 5 For of this you can be sure: No immoral, impure or greedy person—such a person is an idolater—has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God. 6 Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of such things God’s wrath comes on those who are disobedient. 7 Therefore do not be partners with them.
Devotional
We are coming along well in Paul’s letter to the Ephesians. Earlier, he addressed doctrines of being alive in Christ and the power of the cross, but now Paul is getting practical into the nitty gritty of moral character. Before, he addressed faith in theory and now comes the “pow” of specifics. I can picture Paul writing in prison as he sits around a band of convicts. He is surrounded by empty words, obscenities, crude jokes and meaningless gossip of the inmates. As he pens this letter to the church, Paul replaces the stank prison smut with thanksgiving to Jesus for salvation and life. He takes joy in being a dearly loved child of God. He is not participating with the culture of his cell mates; he is partnering with the mind of Christ. I see him writing, praying and thanking God for the churches he loves so much.
Ephesians 5 encourages us to measure our thoughts and words. It calls us to reflect on our Christian character in the world. Below is a Pollution Meter to practically measure yourself using the standards of Ephesians 5:1-7.
The Pollution Meter of Your Mind and Mouth
How would you categorize yourself on the pollution meter related to Ephesians 5?
Weigh and evaluate your mind and mouth concerning the topics and their effects.
What needs to be detoxified? What are your plans to purify the pollution areas?
- Sexual Morality?
- Greed (time, money, belongings, self-interests)?
- Obscene Talk?
- Foolish Gossip?
- Coarse Joking & Sarcasm?
- Empty Words?
Dear Lord, I want to be a dear child who walks in Your love. I don’t want to be a faith wrecker with a hazardous stench. I am sorry for toxic thoughts and talk. I ask the Holy Spirit to wake me, walk me through ways of love and detoxify the impurities of my mind and mouth. Show me what is proper for God’s holy people. Amen.
