The Power of the Human Tongue:
Today, Pastor Ricky of Calvary Chapel in Santa Barbara spoke about our words…Pretty heady stuff actually. And, as he is a good pastor, he used James 3:2-6 to drive the point home.
Our words are so powerful. They determine our state of mind and the state of mind for everyone in our surroundings. They determine our strengths against carnality. Gossip, Innuendo, criticisms, lies, and so many other words and attitueds contribute to the overall “disease” of our lives and our churches and our nation. How many marriages died because of habitual complaints about things that are just not that important? How many teenagers are seeking acceptance from those people that might harm them because they hear “criticism” about themselves too frequently at home? How many times could we have stayed out of the “fray” and not interjected our opinion (especially in emotionally charged situations) and prevented a complete meltdown? How many times does the “flesh” demand to be “heard” in a situation where injecting our opinions would not convince anyone or solve the issue. BUT, we want to be heard because we are so “right!”
And how about this…cussing so you are “more current” with the language of those you are trying to reach…I have even heard of cussing from the pulpit…excuse me? When did cussing make a minister “hip enough” to reach the masses.
So, if you’re brave, take a moment and replay all of the conversations you had in the last few days…even the silent conversations with yourself…Were the words Spirit filled and Spirit motivated? If you are like me, we have some clean-up to do…
My next e-mail is to Pastor Ricky, thanking him for his ever present "shepherd's crook."
So Lord, guard the door to my tongue (and the little voice in my head) and make my words for edification and for Your glory. Help me get out of my own way and put Your purpose first. In the Name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus, AMEN!
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