Joan and I were talking about how easy it is for our flesh to rise up and become proud.
A while back the following happened to me concerning this subject.
Something
happened here at the house and I said something to my husband
concerning this which was funny…clever. I am not sure I realized it was
clever at the moment I said it, but the following happened which let me
know something was wrong in what I said.
Right
after I said this, my husband laughed. And, as soon as he laughed, I
could feel my flesh puffing up with pride. But this “puffing up” made
me feel so bad.
I was reminded of the scripture about jesting…But
fornication, and all uncleanness, or covetousness, let it not be once
named among you, as becometh saints; neither filthiness, nor foolish
talking, nor jesting, which are not convenient: but rather giving of thanks. Eph. 5:3-4
I looked up the word “jesting” A really good definition which shows us what jesting is is the following...
— To say something in a joking or witty way that shows quick and inventive verbal humor
As I thought about it, I realized it also means...
— To say something that you think is witty which “puffs” you up when someone laughs at what you said because it makes you look clever.
As I was dealing with this, I felt that the key word here that God was impressing me with was the word “clever” (being funny in a way that shows intelligence; marked by wit and ingenuity).
I saw that my flesh felt exalted because of what I said…I did feel clever.
I
don’t think this means that we can never share an amusing story or
incident with others. Or that we can never laugh. But saying something
that puffs up our flesh…makes us feel so wise and smart…this is
something that we are to avoid doing.
Since
this happened I am more cautious to think before I speak. And, with
the Holy Spirit, I think we can evaluate that which we are about to say
before we say it. This happening has certainly made me more aware of
letting my flesh rise up in cleverness.
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