Be Blameless

[gtranslates]

Opening Verse

“Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.”
Ephesians 4:29 (KJV)

Introduction

A deacon is called to be blameless, holding the mystery of the faith with a pure conscience. But what happens when the words that come from a deacon’s mouth are filled with profanity? Does it matter? Scripture makes it clear: our words reveal our heart.

Devotional Story

A man once served faithfully in his church as a deacon. He helped the needy, gave wise advice, and was respected. But outside the church walls, something didn’t add up. When upset, he let loose words that sounded more like the world than the Word. Some shrugged it off. “We all slip,” they said.

But one Sunday, a young believer who looked up to him overheard one of these outbursts during a parking lot disagreement. The young man’s face changed. He didn’t argue. He just walked away and never returned.

The deacon noticed his absence weeks later. He called, visited, and apologized. But the damage was done. “If that’s what serving God looks like,” the young man said, “then I’m confused.”

That moment broke the deacon. He wept. Not because of the shame, but because his mouth had become a stumbling block. He opened his Bible and read:

“But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment.”
Matthew 12:36 (KJV)

From then on, his speech changed. Not from fear of man, but fear of God.

What This Means

Deacons, pastors, and all believers are called to live above reproach. If the tongue is not tamed, the testimony is tainted. Words are not harmless—they’re either salt or poison. Jesus said what comes out of the mouth flows from the heart. If a deacon is speaking filth, it’s not just a slip of the tongue. It’s a warning sign from the soul.

Think About This

• Do your words build others up or tear them down?

• Are you more careful about your words in church than outside of it?

• Would someone be drawn to Christ by how you speak?

Prayer

Lord, help me to watch my mouth. Let no corrupt word come out of it, but only what is holy, loving, and true. Cleanse my heart, that my speech would reflect Your Spirit. If I’ve been careless or caused others to stumble, forgive me and help me make it right. Let my life and lips honor You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Closing Verse

“Out of the same mouth proceedeth blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not so to be.”
James 3:10 (KJV)