But Rather Thanksgiving...

Check out these verses from our study of Ephesians:

But among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed, because these are improper for God’s holy people. Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving. Ephesians 5:3‭-‬4 NIV http://bible.com/111/eph.5.3-4.NIV

For some reason it's a "guy thing". Those of us who are supposed to be the Spiritual leaders of the family tend to get a little "off color" when it's just the guys. It may be in varying degrees, but if we're honest, if I"M honest - most of those words from Eph. 5 are fairly convicting. Let's know God's grace for those times and focus on the last three words instead; "but rather thanksgiving"

It's a simple replacement technique - when your brain starts going in the wrong direction, be thankful. Thinking naughty? be thankful for something nice. Thinking lazy? Be thankful for an accomplishment. Thinking guilty? be thankful for forgiveness. Replace whatever negative you're experiencing with thankfulness for something positive. Imagine the effect on your family and those around you if what came out of your mouth was mostly thankfulness.

I looked around the other day and actually said out loud "I'm so stinking blessed, what should I complain about?" When we focus on the salvation God has given us instead of the troubles we see, we're motivated to do our best for Him out of thankfulness.

So often our quiet time is focused on asking for God's help with a trouble or a blessing on others or some other request - this week as you sit daily with Him, be thankful.