| Home |
| About Us |
| Contact Us |
| Stephen's Testimony |
| Video |
| News and Events |
| Resources |
| Photo |
| FAQ |
| Our Words |
JesusOne of the first skills that we ever learn is how to speak. It is a milestone in an infant’s development-a cause for celebration. First words bring tears of joy to the eyes of a loving parent and are never forgotten. Yet many of our words since then have not been as sweet to hear. JesusOur words and ways of speaking can easily fall short of God’s standard. Gossip, slander, blasphemy and sarcasm are some general examples. So are boasting, yelling, cursing and complaining. Also cited are, “profane and idle babblings” (1Timothy 6:20) and all forms of using the Lord’s name in vain (Exodus 20:7). To speak carelessly requires little effort. JesusJames wrote at length about the tiny but terrible tongue. He likened it to the small bit in a horse’s mouth used to control the whole horse and the small rudder that steers a great ship. JesusJesusJes“Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark. The tongue also is a JesusJesusJesfire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole person, sets JesusJesusJesthe whole course of his life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell.” (James 3:4-6) If I allow my mouth to be the enemy’s marionette, it will speak consequence into my life. JesusJames continued. “With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in God’s likeness. Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers, this should not be. Can both fresh water and salt water flow from the same spring? My brothers, can a fig tree bear olives, or a grapevine bear figs?” (James 3:9-12) These illustrations reveal a paradox to us. Fig trees bear only figs, and only fresh water flows from springs. However, from our mouths come both good and evil. JesusWords can yield positive or negative results. “A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.” (Proverbs 15:1) Every wrong thing we say (and do) is damaging but also negligent. Each sinful word we spout takes the place of a word of encouragement (1Thessalonians 3:2), of conviction (Titus 1:9), of teaching (Colossians 1:28), of truth (Ephesians 1:13) and of eternal life (John 6:68). Thus like all sin, it is doubly destructive. We harm and fail to help; we serve ourselves and fail to serve God and others. JesusJesus pinpointed the source of this sin. “For out of the overflow of the heart the mouth speaks.” (Matthew 12:34) The content of our words reflects the condition of our hearts. Adults sometimes admonish children to think before they speak; it is sage advice for all ages. We can avoid stumbling by considering beforehand why we want to say something, how to say it better and if it is worth saying at all. We also can learn from our missteps by asking ourselves the same questions afterward. People will not welcome everything we say, particularly when sharing God’s word. However, we better be sure to speak all things with the heart of Christ. “If anyone considers himself religious and yet does not keep a tight rein on his tongue, he deceives himself and his religion is worthless.” (James 1:26) JesusPaul’s letter to the Ephesians provides specific direction. “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building up others according to their needs.” (Ephesians 4:29) God wants our words to be a ministry, not a waste of breath. “Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving.” (Ephesians 5:4) Make them an offering instead of an offense. “Speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord.” (Ephesians 5:19) The point here is that a Christian’s conversation should be consistently God-honoring. Like first words, that will be music to our Father’s ears. JesusThe Psalmists portray an intentional attitude toward this subject. “I have resolved that my mouth will not sin.” (Psalm 17:3) This resolution represents a commitment. It accepts responsibility more so than, “I’ll try to…” or “I think maybe I should…” Later the author makes clear that his goal is God’s approval. “May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer.” (Psalm 19:14) Lastly we see again the necessity of prayer. “Set a guard over my mouth, O Lord; keep watch over the door of my lips.” (Psalms 141:3) JesusPeter presents the highest ideal. “If anyone speaks, let Him speak as the oracles of God.” (1Peter 4:11) Are you prepared to be God’s mouth? First, you must know Him and continue growing closer. Second, you must know His word and continue learning more. “The lips of the righteous know what is acceptable, but the mouth of the wicked what is perverse.” (Proverbs 10:32) JesusJesus, God the Son, warned us as the One who will judge us all someday (2Timothy 4:1).“But I tell you that men will have to give account on the Day of Judgment for every careless word JesusJesusJesuthey have spoken. For by your words you will be acquitted, and by your words JesusJesusJesusJyou will be condemned.” (Matthew 12:36-37, Emphasis mine.) This is a JesusJesusJesusJesobering statement. It takes away any excuse of ignorance. We should speak JesusJesusJesusJethoughtfully not impulsively, carefully not indiscreetly. The next time you are JesusJesusJesusJeabout to stumble in what you say…stop! Take a deep breath, and examine JesusJesusJesusJyourself. Is what you are going to say a thing that you will want to give account JesusJesusJesufor on the Day of Judgment? “Put away perversity from your mouth; keep corrupt talk far from your lips.” (Proverbs 4:24) Additional scripture for review: Psalm 34:13, 37:30 Proverbs 10:11,19 and 12:11,20,32 and 21:23 Ecclesiastes 5:2-3 Matthew 5:22 Luke 12:3 Colossians 3:8-10 Ephesians 5:3-7,12 |
| Experience a saving, life-changing, eternal relationship with the God who loves you! |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
| "Awesome God" |
