I have mouth trouble.
Sometimes, my tongue beats my eyeballs black and blue in the on-going quest for mouth control! Mercy!
Did you know that humans are the only one of God’s creations that can express their thoughts in words?
Some birds can be trained to mimic words and animals can be taught to respond to specific commands. But, only man has been given the ability to verbalize his feelings and thoughts.
The Bible has a lot to say about ‘talking;’ ranging from a heart condition to words of witness. (Matthew 12:34) What you say reflects what’s really in your heart.
(I Peter 3: 15) We are to make a place in our hearts that gives reverence to Jesus as Lord and from that understanding, always be ready to share that knowledge with others (evangelism).
Just as in life choices, we have word choices. It takes a conscious effort, a willful act, to use our mouth to build up instead of tear down. (Psalms 19: 14) God doesn’t control my mouth, I do.
The Word says the tongue is full of evil and impossible to tame. (James 3:7-8) In other words, it’s a “me” problem that requires that I must consciously commit my mouth to the rule of Christ.
Our mouth is to be used to edify or build up those around us; to encourage, not to tear down. The Word says (James 3:9-10) it is wrong to use the same mouth that speaks mean words to worship God. I Thessalonians 5:11 says that we are to encourage and build each other up, not tear each other down.
The battle for mouth control is on-going and serious. In Matthew 12:36, God’s Word says that we’ll be held accountable for every careless word we speak.
God does not see teasing, demeaning words as ‘ok, everybody is doing it.’ He sees it as a lack of obedience that compromises our relationship with Him.
James 1:26 If anyone considers himself to be religious and yet does not keep a tight reign on his tongue, he deceives himself and his religion is worthless.
Prayer: Father, I love you and I want to please you in all my ways, including my words. Help me to think before I speak and to say only those things that build up, encourage and give Godly direction. Thank you. amen.
Scripture references:
Matthew 12:34 You brood of vipers, how can you who are evil say anything good? For the mouth speaks what the heart is full of.
I Peter 3: 15 But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect–
Psalms 19: 14 May these words of my mouth and this meditation of my heart
be pleasing in your sight, Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer.
James 3:7-8 All kinds of animals, birds, reptiles and sea creatures are being tamed and have been tamed by mankind, but no human being can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison
James 3:9-10 With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse human beings, who have been made in God’s likeness. Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers and sisters, this should not be.
I Thessalonians 5:11 Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.
Matthew 12:36 But I tell you that everyone will have to give account on the day of judgment for every empty word they have spoken.