Our Words

Our Words


People have two eyes and two ears. These are used to detect sights and sounds from multiple sources around us. And because our brains can receive, process, store and retrieve such immense amounts of information, the combination of sights and sounds we take in help us navigate the extremely complex environments in which we live (physical, relational, spiritual, etc.).

But we only have one mouth. When we speak, whether our words are good, bad or indifferent, they all come out of the same place. It is impossible for us to completely control our mouths – out of our mouths come good and evil; we praise, we encourage, we criticize, we deceive.

• James 3:8-10 But no man can tame the tongue. It is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison. 9 With it we bless our God and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in the similitude of God. 10 Out of the same mouth proceed blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not to be so.

The Bible has a lot to say about our mouths and how we use them. Our words can be used to accurately represent or deceivingly misrepresent who we really are (how we feel, what we think, our values, our beliefs, our intentions…). But all our spoken words come out of the same place, the mouth that God made for each of us (Exodus 4:11, Isaiah 44:24).

Why are our words so important?

• Matthew 12:36-37 But I say to you that for every idle word men may speak, they will give account of it in the day of judgment. 37 For by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned.”
• We will give an account to God for every word we have spoken.
• Luke 6:45 A good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart brings forth evil. For out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks.
• Ultimately, when all is said and done, our words reveal our desires, priorities, principles, etc.
• Proverbs 15:1-2 A soft answer turns away wrath, But a harsh word stirs up anger. 2 The tongue of the wise uses knowledge rightly, But the mouth of fools pours forth foolishness.
• Our words can bring peace or war – they can educate or confuse.
• Psalm 34:12-14 Who is the man who desires life, And loves many days, that he may see good? 13 Keep your tongue from evil, And your lips from speaking deceit. 14 Depart from evil and do good; Seek peace and pursue it.
• The words we use are one of the aspects of our lives that demonstrate what we value and long for.

Scripture makes clear that followers of Jesus are to live in a way that glorifies our Lord. The way we talk and the things we talk about are just one part of an overall wayof living that should honor Christ and who we are in Him. Here are just a few of the standards found in the Bible about our words:

Improper Uses Include

• Exodus 20:7 “You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain, for the Lord will not hold him guiltless who takes His name in vain.
• Exodus 20:16 “You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor.
• Ephesians 5:3-4 But fornication and all uncleanness or covetousness, let it not even be named among you, as is fitting for saints; 4 neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor coarse jesting, which are not fitting, but rather giving of thanks.
• Colossians 3:8 But now you yourselves are to put off all these: anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy language out of your mouth.

Proper Uses Include

• Psalm 34:1 I will bless the Lord at all times; His praise shall continually be in my mouth.
• Psalm 19:14 Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart Be acceptable in Your sight, O Lord, my strength and my Redeemer.
• Ephesians 4:15 but, speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things into Him who is the head—Christ—
• Ephesians 4:25 Therefore, putting away lying, “Let each one of you speak truth with his neighbor,” for we are members of one another.
• Ephesians 5:19 speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord,
• Matthew 5:37 But let your ‘Yes’ be ‘Yes,’ and your ‘No,’ ‘No.’ For whatever is more than these is from the evil one.

Above I said, ‘It is impossible for us to completely control our mouths…’ So what hope do we have? We have to look beyond ourselves to tame our words. Controlling our mouths is only possible with God. Through His power, and with the wisdom that comes only from Him, it is possible to mature to the point where we aren't insensitive, inconsiderate, hurtful or harassing with our words.  

• Matthew 19:26 But Jesus looked at them and said to them, “With men this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.”
• James 3:17 But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy.

This requires such a level of Christian growth/maturity (the meaning of ‘perfect man’ in verse below), reaching this point is only possible through obedience to God’s Word and submission to His Holy Spirit in all areas of our lives.

• James 3:2 For we all stumble in many things. If anyone does not stumble in word, he is a perfect man, able also to bridle the whole body.
• Never as an excuse, but an ever-present reality, living with our sinful flesh results in some level of sinful behavior.
• Galatians 2:21 I do not set aside the grace of God; for if righteousness comes through the law, then Christ died in vain.”
• 1 John 1:10 If we say that we have not sinned, we make Him a liar, and His word is not in us.

The process of controlling our words begins with transforming our minds.

• Romans 12:2 And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.
• Philippians 4:8 Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things.

Finally, God knows the heart and condition of each person.

• 1 Samuel 16:7 But the Lord said to Samuel, “Do not look at his appearance or at his physical stature, because I have refused him. For the Lord does not see as man sees; for man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.”
• Everything I have written above refers to actually speaking words. Please consider how the same truths apply to what you post, text, email…; even the dialogue in your mind.
• There are many people with emotional, mental or physical issues that may not be able to control what they think or say. 

Prayer

Lord I fail You in many ways. Today I confess and ask forgiveness for all the times I fall short of Your expectations regarding my words. Help me to grow, submit and overcome such that my words reflect the power and presence of Your Words in my life. Thanks for Your patience, understanding and love. In Christ’s precious and powerful name I pray. Amen

 

  

Plethora of Praise

Plethora of Praise

As a follower of Jesus Christ, reading the Word of God should fill us to overflowing with praise. God has given us so much: we are reborn!  We are new creations!

• 2 Corinthians 5:17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.

When we

 - Admit that we are sinners
 - Acknowledge that Jesus Christ died on a cross to pay for our sins
 - Appreciate that He rose from the grave and defeated death
 - Accept Him as our Lord and Savior

We are cleansed from ALL sin!!

• Colossians 2:13 And you, being dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, He has made alive together with Him, having forgiven you all trespasses,
• 1 John 1:7 But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin.

The forgiveness of our sins alone ought to have us praising God with all that we are. But our God is so good, He just keeps on giving – His grace is truly amazing. Of the countless blessings we receive when we surrender to His Lordship, here are six profound gifts from God that should lead to a Plethora of Praise.

Position
In Christ, we are in a new position before Almighty God: we are now in right standing with Him. Soak up the blessings of who you before God because of who you are in Christ!

• Romans 8:1 There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit.
• 1 Peter 2:9 But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light
• Galatians 3:29 And if you are Christ’s, then you are Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise.
• Romans 8:17 and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him, that we may also be glorified together.
• 1 John 3:1 Behold what manner of love the Father has bestowed on us, that we should be called children of God! Therefore the world does not know us, because it did not know Him.

Promises
Our great God has made great promises about our eternal future with Him – nothing can separate us from His love!

• 1 John 5:13 These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, that you may know that you have eternal life, and that you may continue to believe in the name of the Son of God.
• John 14:3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also.
• Romans 8:38-39 For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, 39 nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Peace
The Prince of Peace is the only way to true and lasting peace.

• Isaiah 9:6 For unto us a Child is born, Unto us a Son is given; And the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
• John 14:27 Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.
• John 16:33 These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.”

Passion
That old, cold, hard heart is gone; God’s Spirit makes us passionate about the good works that glorify His name!

• Ezekiel 11:19 Then I will give them one heart, and I will put a new spirit within them, and take the stony heart out of their flesh, and give them a heart of flesh,
• Philippians 2:13 for it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure.
• Titus 2:14 who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from every lawless deed and purify for Himself His own special people, zealous for good works.

Power
People have a perverted view of power. As Christians, there is power in the name of Jesus! There is power in the blood He shed at Calvary!

• Isaiah 40:31 But those who wait on the Lord Shall renew their strength; They shall mount up with wings like eagles, They shall run and not be weary, They shall walk and not faint.
• Acts 1:8 But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”
• 2 Timothy 1:7 For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.

Purpose
Everybody needs a purpose in life: God made us His own so we can glorify His name before the entire world and share the truth about Christ with all nations!

• Psalm 86:12 I will praise You, O Lord my God, with all my heart, And I will glorify Your name forevermore.
• Matthew 28:19-20 Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen.
• 1 Corinthians 10:31 Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.

An eternity of praise won’t be enough

To acknowledge all He has given us!

But we will keep on praising

And He will keep on giving!

Prayer

Thank You for all You have done for all Your children. Thank You for all the good You do for all people. Our praise is inadequate, but I pray that it brings a smile to Your face. May your graciousness draw many to salvation in Jesus Christ – the ultimate gift! I praise You and pray to You in the name of Jesus. Amen.