When is the last time you said something you regret? A word, phrase, or paragraph you wish you could erase from someone’s memory? Did you hurt a friend or destroy your witness with a coworker because of an off-color statement? I know the most recent slip of my sinful tongue is not too far back in my past. I often allow little white lies, pieces of the latest gossip, and harsh words to fall out of my heart and escape through my mouth.
The Bible is clear that words matter. There is an overwhelming abundance of scripture emphasizing the power of the tongue. Just take a peek in Psalms, Proverbs, or any New Testament book if you're in the mood for some conviction (it gets me every time). Paul, when writing to the church in Ephesus instructs the Ephesians to “let no corrupting talk come out of [their] mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear” (4:29). My mom recited this exact verse many times to my siblings and I during our childhood squabbles. I used to ponder how I could possibly speak only words that encourage and benefit other people. I have to agree with James in chapter 3 of his letter when he cries out “no human being can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison” (James 3:8). It seems impossible to be kind, encouraging, and gracious all of the time.
Despite the difficulty to be mindful of each word we utter, we are called to be set apart! We are a "chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for His own possession, that [we] may proclaim the excellencies of Him who called [us] out of darkness into His marvelous light " (1 Peter 2:9)! Because of God's incredible rescue of our unworthy souls, we now desire to mirror Him more each day, and this includes the words we incorporate in our daily conversations.
When Christ enters our hearts, His Spirit finds a home inside each of us, enabling us to fight against the sinful nature dwelling within our hearts. The Spirit of God is the best weapon against Satan we could ever envision. With God's word in our hand and the Holy Spirit in our hearts, the power of sin is ours to conquer. With His strength in us, guarding the tongue isn't such a matter of personal strength as it is a matter of personal intake. He will provide the ability to overcome sin when we dwell in His truths and saturate ourselves in His glory.
But, the problem is, my words are not exactly overcoming sin 24/7. More often than not, I allow little comments and words to come out of my mouth that are not holy, pure, lovely, or anything near the words listed in Philippians 4:8. Why? Why am I giving in so easily to the sin that entangles?
I found a pretty good answer in Matthew 12:34: "For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks". If you claim Jesus as Lord but soak yourself in profane music, dirty television shows, or gossip-filled friendships, those same experiences are what permeate your heart. As sinful distractions expand in your heart, they will find a new place your speech also. It's impossible to hide what is hidden in your heart forever; what is in your heart is bound to make an appearance on the outside. So let me ask, what are you feeding yourself spiritually? What are you putting into your heart? If all you can come up with falls into the category of spiritual junk food, you should really reconsider what it means to be a follower of Jesus Christ. The phrase "You are what you eat" isn't necessarily solely applicable to your physical body.
As I read further in Matthew 12:36-37, Jesus informs the Pharisees of a rather discomforting thought: "I tell you, on the day of judgment people will give account for every careless word they speak, for by your words you will be justified and by your
Woah… hold the phone. Every word? Even the ones I said when I was hungry or in a “safe place” or “just joking”? That’s a scary thought. I’d rather not have the whole world be aware of every combination of phrases I’ve released from my heart. But one day… that’s going to happen. Our pride will be squelched when we come face to face with the Creator God of the Universe (who already knows each and every unholy iota we’ve even considered thinking about), as He confronts us and the great assembly with Him with all our words.
Whispered and shouted; texted and spoken; ALL of our words will be presented before us.
This week, pay attention to your words. Are you building others up? Are your words flowing with what is true, honorable, just, pure, lovely, and commendable (Phil. 4:8)? Do you speak life into those around you? If not, think about what you're feeding your spirit. It might be time to consider a spiritual "diet" from the junk we feed our souls all the time. Spend time in your word instead of on Facebook or in an unholy conversation. Fill yourself up with what you desire to come out.
Words matter. Use them wisely.
