A wrench, a printing press, or a pair of gloves can be used for either good or evil. God has also given each one of us a powerful tool which we can choose to use for glorious or ignoble purposes. But God has forewarned us that He will judge how we choose to use this powerful gift.
What is this tool God has given us? The tongue can be used to bless, to heal, and bestow life. However, it can also be wielded to curse, wound, and kill. Proverbs 18:21; 12:18; 11:9; 10:11 How we choose to use our words is of extreme importance since even every thoughtless remark we utter is going to be judged. Matthew 12:36-37
Must the truth of Jesus' teaching about how our words are going to be judged necessarily create a heavy burden for us to bear? Is this the life that God desires for His people? No. Jesus' teachings are true and they can serve as a serious wake up call to the state of our lives, but it is not his goal to place a heavy yoke on our shoulders. Matthew 10:28-30 If we are willing to listen and respond obediently, Jesus teachings point us to the path for truly victorious living.
Controlling our language begins in solving heart issues
Our mouths are reflections of what resides in our hearts. Matthew 12:33-35 Here is the root of the problem in wanting to live for God but continually discovering our mouths running in the wrong direction.
If we have set the treasure of our heart upon something in this world, then there will be many opportunities to use our words for striving to obtain our fleshly goal. If our heart is set upon being accepted by others, then a person might be tempted to gossip, lie or boast if it is believed that these will assist in being accepted. Similarly if our purpose is to be the best or to acquire a particular professional position perhaps we will encounter strong temptations to lie, hurt others or exalt ourselves. Similarly, it would be natural for anger, jealously, resentment, and bitterness to spew from our lips if worldly goals remain blocked by someone or something.
On the other hand, if the focus of our hearts is upon God and serving Him then all of life -- even the hardships -- can provide us with opportunities to achieve our purpose in serving and glorifying God. In all situations, our words can be used for God if that is what we love the most in life.
If the focus of my life is right, then the way I use my whole body will be filled with light. My words will naturally flow forth from a sweet spring. But if my heart is set upon darkness, then everything about me will be filled with darkness including the words which gush forth. Consider Matthew 6:22-23 and James 3:1-12
Victorious living begins with the genuine conversion to love and serve Jesus as Lord, not simply as a heavenly insurance policy while I go about living for Self. If we live by the Spirit, the members of our bodies will not be used as tools to gratify the desires of flesh.
Barry Newton, Copyright © 2000
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