1 Thessalonians 2:4-6  Instead, just as we have been approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel, so we speak, not to please people, but rather God, who examines our hearts. For we never used flattering speech, as you know, or had greedy motives  — God is our witness  —  and we didn’t seek glory from people, either from you or from others. (CSB)

1 Thessalonians 2:3-5  God tested us thoroughly to make sure we were qualified to be trusted with this Message. Be assured that when we speak to you we’re not after crowd approval—only God approval. Since we’ve been put through that battery of tests, you’re guaranteed that both we and the Message are free of error, mixed motives, or hidden agendas. We never used words to butter you up. No one knows that better than you. And God knows we never used words as a smoke screen to take advantage of you. (CSB)

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Flattery, greed, and glory certainly sound familiar, but they should never sound right coming from those entrusted with God’s words of truth and life. Instead, those ahead of us in the walk of faith should be free of error, mixed motives, and hidden agendas. 

The harder people try to convince you about their depth of knowledge and breadth of wisdom, the more cautious you should become. True knowledge and wisdom don’t require puff and fluff. Truth is most often self-evident. 

These are good thoughts to think as I prepare to travel to Washington D.C. today. Our nation’s capital may be the world’s capital regarding words spoken with authority and emphasis. D.C. is a sound-bite city. Everyone wants to be heard and considered authoritative. Deliberation and consensus have long waned. 

Politicians are going to politick. We, however, do not have to live that way. Life goes much more smoothly when we speak the truth in love and seek the highest good for others. Ephesians 4:29 has helped me immensely over the years. I’m still mining its treasures.

No foul language should come from your mouth, but only what is good for building up someone in need so that it gives grace to those who hear.
‭‭Ephesians‬ ‭4‬:‭29‬ ‭CSB‬‬

Our conversation should be free from foul language, full of edification and encouragement, and always so gracious it is received as a gift. 

Colossians 4:6 mirrors this emphasis.

Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you should answer each person.
‭‭Colossians‬ ‭4‬:‭6‬ ‭CSB‬‬

Pleasant and purposeful words of response reach hearts and open minds. 

Please God and encourage people with what you say and how you say it. 

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I will say what needs to be said in the most encouraging way. 

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Our Father, place your thoughts in my mind and your words in my mouth. Fill my life with your goodness and kindness. May my words become gifts to those who receive them. Amen.