In what ways can we "extract the precious from the worthless" today? Setting the Scene Jeremiah 15:19—“Therefore this is what the LORD says: ‘If you return, I will restore you, that you may stand before Me; if you speak words of value rather than worthless ones, you will be My spokesman. Let this people turn to you, but you must not turn to them.’” What God Asked of Jeremiah • Return—renewed fellowship • Stand—restored service • Speak—refined words • Separate—maintain holy distinctness The core command is to “speak words of value rather than worthless ones,” literally “extracting the precious from the worthless.” The principle still stands for every believer today. Why This Matters Today • The gospel is adorned or tarnished by the tone and truthfulness of our words (Ephesians 4:29). • Spiritual credibility hinges on discernment (Hebrews 5:14). • Our culture floods us with information; only some of it is eternally valuable (1 Thessalonians 5:21-22). Practical Ways to Extract the Precious Guard Your Intake • Filter media through Philippians 4:8—“whatever is true…commendable—think on these things.” • Limit voices that mock God or normalize sin (Psalm 1:1). • Read Scripture daily before scrolling newsfeeds (Psalm 119:11). Purify Your Speech • Pause and pray before responding—“quick to listen, slow to speak” (James 1:19). • Replace sarcasm and slander with edifying truth (Ephesians 4:29). • Share testimonies of God’s faithfulness rather than spreading fear or gossip (Psalm 71:15-16). Cultivate Discernment • Memorize key passages; God’s Word sharpens judgment (Hebrews 4:12). • Invite the Spirit’s guidance; He leads into all truth (John 16:13). • Seek counsel from mature believers (Proverbs 15:22). Steward Digital Spaces • Unfollow accounts that celebrate wickedness (Proverbs 13:20). • Post content that magnifies Christ and serves others. • Fact-check before sharing; love “rejoices with the truth” (1 Corinthians 13:6). Sanctify Relationships • Gently confront error while refusing to join in sin (Galatians 6:1). • Spend the bulk of time with those who spur you toward godliness (Hebrews 10:24-25). • When among unbelievers, influence without absorbing their values (Jeremiah 15:19b). Strengthen Thought Life • Capture stray ideas and test them against Scripture (2 Corinthians 10:5). • Replace anxious or impure thoughts with promises of God (Isaiah 26:3). • Journal evidences of grace; gratitude highlights the “precious.” Walking It Out Extracting the precious from the worthless is not a one-time task but a daily rhythm: receive God’s Word, reject what cheapens it, and release speech that reflects His worth. As we do, we stand as His spokespeople—bright beacons in a dim world, offering treasure that can never perish. |
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