Watch your tongue

Bits for horses and rudders for ships are used to control and for direction.  Our tongues are the evidence of where our heart is directing our mind and our heart.  There is an issue of motivation when we share information.  I may share a need another person has so they can receive aid, encouragement and prayer.  I can also share the same information in a way that demeans or damages another person.  There is a major difference between “George is hurting because. . . and I want us to pray for him and think of how we can support and help him,” and “Did you hear about George and what he has gotten himself into again.”  

Jesus clearly spoke the truth about the Pharisees (in numerous passages) to call them to change and to protect the people from their self-righteousness.  Our words can be used as a stick or a salve, and will have long lasting effects.  Many times we speak without thinking, in the heat of the moment, off the cuff.  Sometimes we excuse what we say with “I was just speaking my mind.”  Unfortunately, if our minds are not controlled by the Holy Spirit, then what passes over our lips can be very unsavory and ungodly.

Romans 12:1-2 tell us, “I urge you therefore brothers, by the mercy of God, to present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your reasonable act of worship.  And be not conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind; that you might prove what is the good, acceptable, and perfect will of God.”  Paul is making sure that we know that God wants all of us — body and mind, tongue and thoughts.  And left to ourselves, our minds are unruly and evil and therefore, what spills from our lips is just as unruly and evil.  Our tongues can be viewed as swords, sharp to cut and slice others; or they can be used to protect, encourage, and defend others.  

In order for our tongues to be used for profit, the mind must be transformed.  Can you think of something someone has said to you that has cut you?  Or perhaps lifted you up and encouraged you?  Which will you do this week in speaking to others?  “Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers.”  Ephesians 4:29

Pressing on…

Ron Tipton, Senior Pastor