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From Esther to Peter, we have
great examples of how the tongue can be used for great or terrible causes. We are able to bless and to curse,
all with the same small instrument. (James 3:9) Christ has told us that we will be justified or condemned by
the words we choose. (Matthew 12:36-37) We must start the choosing process far before the words come to our
lips and leave, to enter another’s ears and can never be retrieved again. Just as Daniel had to “purpose in his
heart” to serve God at any cost, so must we, especially when choosing what kind of speech we will use. When we
do not put any forethought into the words we use, we are destined to fall prey to Satan’s traps—malice, gossip,
busy bodying , backbiting, blasphemy and filthy language (Col. 3:8, I Timothy 5:13,14) This kind of forethought
must be done each day since out of our mouths come the issues of our hearts. (Matthew 12:34).
The constant challenge God places
before all of His children is not just the act of obedience. It is the act of obedience from a pure heart.
(Isa. 29:13) Whether or not we like it, our fruit will be known. What are the thoughts we are trying to
conceal? Rather than conceal them, get rid of them and replace them with the thoughts of God. In order for our
speech to be pleasing to the Lord, we must check and recheck our thoughts daily. In other words, our minds must
be renewed daily in order to present our lives as living sacrifices before the King of all Kings. (Rom.
12:2).
There are certain types of speech
that God absolutely condemns. Such speech would be lying, (Ps.119:163) flattery, (Ps. 12:3) gossip and
busybodies, (I Timothy 5:13, 14) blasphemy and filthy language (Col. 3:8) to name a few. We must be aware of
these snares and guard our hearts against them. Yet it is not enough to flee from Satan, we must draw near to
God and to the speech He requires of His children.
God requires us to speak the truth
(first and foremost) in love. (Eph. 4:15) There are many times we are required to speak on matters of truth
when it is more than uncomfortable, but we do it anyway, out of love. We do it primarily out of our love for
our Heavenly Father and secondarily out of our love for our neighbors, including brothers, sisters and those
not yet in the body of Christ. God also desires that we speak kindly and with wisdom. (Prov. 31:26) God always
calls us to speak our words with a sense of humility that comes from knowing where we’ve come from and by God’s
grace where we are headed.
How then, can we know what we
ought to say if we have not sought His will? How then can we set our minds on things above if we are still
focused on things below? We will not have a speech pleasing unto God until we seek out His wisdom and use it
daily to conform us into His image. Do not leave these things to chance, but study and meditate daily on what
He desires from you, that on that final day of judgment, you may hear, “Well done….enter into the joys of
Heaven.”
Via South Brundidge Street Church of Christ,
Troy, AL Website
(The writer of this good article is our granddaughter - Ed) | ||
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© Copyright 2008, Edward O. Bragwell, Sr.. All rights reserved.
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