Lay Aside the Shovel

Scott Beyer
11/01/23 - Bulletin

“Therefore, laying aside falsehood, speak truth each one of you with his neighbor…” (Ephesians 4:25)

            We cannot stop digging until we have put down the shovel.  The path to honesty begins with the decision to lay aside falsehood.  Deception is a tool in most people’s tool bag.  We lie to get out of speeding tickets, avoid arguments, or pay kid prices at admissions (you know your kid is over 12… pay the full price!).  As long as we believe that lying is an option, we will find ourselves slipping back into dishonesty when truth becomes inconvenient, uncomfortable, or dangerous.

            And truth is all of those things!  The truth is rarely convenient, and sometimes it is a high-risk move to be honest about how you feel, what you’ve done, or what just happened.  You will only stop avoiding the truth when you have decided lying is no longer a tool in your toolbelt.  You have to have the conviction to put the shovel down.

Matthew 4:4 #Biblebites

Today’s Reading: Ephesians 4:25-32

Questions to ask:

1. How is Paul feeling as he writes today’s passage? What is his mood?
2. What are the central themes in Paul’s preaching and teaching which are being emphasized, or how are the central themes in this epistle being emphasized in today’s reading?
3. How does our reading show Paul’s people skills, especially how he handles conflict?
4. What in this passage would change the lives of the believer(s) being addressed? How does it make me a better disciple?
5. How does this show the “good news” of the gospel? How can I share that with someone else?

This year, #Biblebites are following the life and writings of Paul.  If you would like a copy of the reading schedule, you can view it here: https://eastlandchristians.org/news-events/2023-vision

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