Watch Your Speech!

I once heard from my Pastor that words literally live forever. It was a tempting situation, but I waited and he said that he had read a study where scientists were attempting to extract sound waves out of walls and other materials. My first thought was, "Wow, microphone technology is becoming so sophisticated." My second thought was, "Aren't there better uses of scientist's time?"

Of course, leave it to the ever present third thought: How powerful are our words? This is how powerful:

"Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof." Proverbs 18:21

True that death and life are in the power of the tongue when it comes to Salvation, for he who confesses with HIS MOUTH that Jesus Christ is Lord shall be saved. So, because I have confessed Christ publicly, with my mouth confessing what my heart truly believes, then I am saved.

However, we can't ignore that our tongues can be both destructive and constructive in the here and now portion of our sanctification. Take the Apostle James and his wise words in chapter 3 of his epistle.

"And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity. The tongue is so set among our members that it defiles the whole body, and sets on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire by hell." James 3:6

How often our tongues get us in trouble, whether we are trying to be funny or whether we are trying to answer questions that we have no business addressing. I have to admit that this has been a constant trouble in my life, that I must always be careful to deal with. Too many times, I have gotten myself into trouble or embarrassed another person unwittingly. Greg Laurie gave this acronym once to help guide our speech. To help me "THINK" before I speak, we must "THINK" along this line: Is what I am about to say:

True
Helpful
Inspiring
Necessary
Kind

If we followed these things, how much more would our communication be seasoned with salt and be true, according to love? Think about the next time you have a chance to deal with that musician who is not really that great. Think about the next time you deal with the people in proximity to the stage that are antagonistic toward you. Think about the next time you talk about someone who is not in the room.

"Let's let our speech be always honoring to the Lord and reflective of His heart."

Hope this helps.

Blessings,
Frank