Absolutely!!! Words either build up or tear down. More than ever, we need to do a little re-evaluating of our own words. Does our speech come from a heart filled with rejoicing, kindness, love or with anger, bitterness, disappointment or frustration? Is Christ pleased with what He hears or do we grieve His heart?
It seems lately, we are bombarded with those who use bad language and think nothing of it ~ Christian or Non-Christian. No wonder our kids in our culture talk the way they do. Where is the example??? Without fail, every time I look at Facebook, listen to the News, watch TV programs, or hear some of my friends talk, I see/hear LOTS of words that definitely do not build up.
If we have received Christ as our Savior, we are held to a higher standard because we serve a Holy God. In Ephesians 4:22-24, it says, You were taught, with regard to the former way of like, to put off the old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires, to be made new in the attitude of your minds; to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness. Our speech should reflect and represent Him well. (Ephesians 4:29-32, 5:1-4,8-10; Proverbs 22:11; Matthew 12:36, 1 Timothy 4:12) In what ways have or should your speech change?
In Romans 12:1-2, Paul reminds us that we are to be living sacrifices. Therefore, I urge you brothers (sisters), in view of God's mercy (that should be enough to stop us in our tracks right there) to offer your bodies (every part ~ mouth included) as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God -- this is our spiritual act of worship (worship is a lifestyle and it shows how much we love and reverence God). Do not be conformed any longer (we may have been there, but we are challenged not to stay there) to the pattern of this world (Psalm 1:1-3), but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is -- His good, pleasing and perfect will. It's action on our part. It's one thing to believe, but it's another thing to put into practice what we believe. Often times we simply make excuses, rather than trusting Christ to help us clean up our words.
Maybe it's not bad language you deal with, maybe it's simply unkind words to family, friends or co-workers. I love this quote by Warren Wiersbe: "Let your words be controlled by His Word and God will make your words valuable." Who can discern his errors: Forgive my hidden faults. Keep Your servant from willful sins; may they not rule over me. Then I will be blameless, innocent of transgressions. Psalm 19:12-13
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
No comments:
Post a Comment