A Sunday School class was...
Illustration
A Sunday School class was asked to discuss 1 Thessalonians 2:46. First they were to name the ways in which people speak to please their fellow men. Flattery was mentioned first, and the students were aware of its deceitful insincerity. Sales talk that played on people's vanity was listed. Someone remembered that lying was often done to please men. Speeches of politicians also made the list. After a bit they were asked to list ways in which our speech might please God. Prayer came first, as God wants us to communicate with him. Clean speech, devoid of swearing or even rough slang, joined the list. Sermons of preachers were determined to be God-pleasing. Then someone mentioned that we are constantly speaking through our lives, as others witness our attitude and actions and can see that we are trying to follow Christ. The discussion finally concluded with the mention of quoting scripture, speaking words of cheer to the unhappy, words of comfort to the sorrowing or those feeling dejected, and a friendly greeting to the lonely. The class was impressed by the obvious fact that our speech is very important, and that there are endless ways for our speaking to please God. -- Lentz
