The question we are about to pose may at first glance seem simplistic, almost a cliche, like something from an old-fashioned salvation tract. Let us try, however, to listen to the words with fresh insight, and bring the question all the way inside. Let us see what it might have to tell us about ourselves. What are you living for?

There are many secondary aspects of God’s will that are good, right and scriptural elements of spirituality with which we should be concerned. We do well to understand these, and to pray for God to develop them within us... But what is God’s primary will for his people...What is it that God wants to do in your life, and in mine, above all other things?

Let us pose a probing question. The more personal layers of the onion we peel off in formulating an answer may reveal startling, even shocking, truths about ourselves. 

How much of our speech is subtly laced with the hidden desire to impress?

The final two commands of this section are intrinsically related, yet they point in opposite directions. Speech will always build up or tear down someone. These last two commands identify the two objects of that building or tearing--others or ourselves.

The injunction against quarreling is fascinating to find among the commands, not because it comes as a surprise, but because of how completely accepted it is in the body of Christ. Is there any more commonplace relational dynamic in the church than this?

The words the mouth speaks are one of the most accurate measures of what lies deep inside. Careless speech reveals careless character.

Most of us reading this command will not automatically think of ourselves in connection with such clear violations of integrity as these words indicate.

Consider the fascinating word grumble. At first glance it seems like such a minor violation of gracious speech. What’s the big deal? Why does Paul command us not to grumble? Because it is a seed-sin. It acts like a mustard seed. From it, bigger things grow. Grumbling yields fruit. Its fruits lead to more serious sins.

We all have our favorite passages of Scripture. These two are among mine. Matthew 5:37: Let your ”Yes” be ”Yes.” and your ”No,” ”No.” (NIV) Later James quotes his brother almost word for word. James 5:12: Let your yes be yes and your no be no. (RSV)

The two brothers, Jesus and James, left the church with many of the same messages, exhortations, and commands. One signature tune they share is this: Listen.