Good morning, girlfriends! Grab your coffee and a comfy chair and lets chat for a few.
Today, I’m inspired to share some thoughts about that little member of our body right behind our teeth…you know, the one that tends to get us in so much trouble! I’m certain this is a topic we can ALL relate to and, as usual, one that I need to be reminded of, myself! Let’s begin with a few verses. Apparently, this is an important point, as there are many to choose from!
Let every man be quick to listen, slow to speak, slow to get angry, for the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God. James 1:19-20
Even a fool who keeps silent is considered wise; when he closes his lips, he is deemed intelligent. Proverbs 17:28
Don't use foul or abusive language. Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them. Ephesians 4:29
But if you bite and devour one another, watch out that you are not consumed by one another. Galatians 5:15
For we all stumble in many ways. And if anyone does not stumble in what he says, he is a perfect man, able also to bridle his whole body. If we put bits into the mouths of horses so that they obey us, we guide their whole bodies as well. Look at the ships also: though they are so large and are driven by strong winds, they are guided by a very small rudder wherever the will of the pilot directs. So, also the tongue is a small member, yet it boasts of great things. How great a forest is set ablaze by such a small fire! And the tongue is a fire, a world of unrighteousness. The tongue is set among our members, staining the whole body, setting on fire the entire course of life, and set on fire by hell. For every kind of beast and bird, of reptile and sea creature, can be tamed and has been tamed by mankind, but no human being can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison. With it we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse people who are made in the likeness of God. From the same mouth come blessing and cursing. My brothers, these things ought not to be so. Does a spring pour forth from the same opening both fresh and salt water? Can a fig tree, my brothers, bear olives, or a grapevine produce figs? Neither can a salt pond yield fresh water. Who is wise and understanding among you? By his good conduct let him show his works in the meekness of wisdom. James 3:2-13
We have been given this unique gift, among the creation, to be able to communicate with a wide variety of words to one another. While the animals also have the ability to communicate with one another in specific ways from one species to the next, it is limited and simplified compared to our vast array of arsenal…oh, I mean words, tone, inflection and body language with which we convey our intentions. Some of us who are “talkers” have more trouble with this than others. “Too much talk leads to sin. Be sensible and keep your mouth shut.” Anyone need interpretation here? :-D Proverbs 10:19 (NLT)
As a side bar, Proverbs is a great book to read, and gives us the opportunity to tap into godly and practical advice with regard to many and various things in life that we encounter on a regular basis and how to handle them wisely. You might like to make it a daily part of your practice to read one or two chapters as an addition to your devotional time.
As we think about how we use our tongues in speaking to each other and to ourselves (self-talk) and as we look to God’s word for help in this matter, we realize that just deciding to tame our tongues isn’t going to work. James tells us that no man can tame the tongue! That creates a dilemma. Let’s look at Jesus’ words for further insight.
The good person out of the good treasure of his heart produces good, and the evil person out of his evil treasure produces evil, for out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks. Luke 6:45
So then….it’s a heart matter. That is so Jesus. If we want to see progress in the things that are coming out of our mouths, we must go straight for our hearts and let God shine his spotlight on the areas that are in need of his cleansing. We all have them! There is none righteous, no not one! Romans 3:1 Let’s make a visit to our knowing place, today, and it would be a great exercise if we would open our Bibles to Galations 5 when we do. As we look at verses 16-25, we can see the contrast between the fruit of the Spirit that we want to be evident in our lives and the works of the flesh. As we walk through those things with a prayerful heart, our Father is faithful to show us where he wants to do a clean-up on the inside and that is what will produce a more loving and cleaner presentation coming from our lips. Of course, this requires maintenance! God wants us to come to him, daily, and walk in relationship with him. No doubt we will always struggle with our tongues as long as we are in these mortal bodies but there can be a definite change as we open our hearts and look together with our loving Father on the inside to see our need.
Let’s remember that the words we speak have the power of death and life, especially in our homes. We can tear down and destroy or we can build up and encourage. Ask God for wisdom in how to communicate in a loving and productive way, especially when having to confront difficult issues. We also need to communicate with ourselves in that same way. We can't love our neighbors or others very well if we don't have a proper love for ourselves. As an example, if we condemn ourselves when we fail, rather than accepting God's grace and moving forward, we will likely do the same with others. He will help as we lean in for understanding.
Girls, have a great day and I can’t wait to share together, again, soon! I’m praying for you. Please remember me in yours, as well!
Still Climbing
Cher
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