Words are powerful - always. They can be used to build up, and they can be used to tear down. Every word, every time, has something to say to someone. No, seriously!! So, it is important to remember that you are wielding a very strong sword each time you open your mouth. It is doubly important that you remember this as a believer in the Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
Human nature (flesh) tends to lean toward making itself look the best in each and every situation. Human nature (flesh) tends to lean toward making itself appear the victim in a bad situation. Much better to solicit (according to human nature) pity than wrath! Sometimes the situation, honestly stated, gets human nature (flesh) its desired results…… most times, not so much. And so human nature (flesh) will begin to tweak, twist, poke, and prod the truth into something (a lie) that it can make sound true without it actually being true. (I did mention that would be a lie, right?) Human nature (flesh) then tells that tweaked, twisted, poked, and prodded truth in support of itself. And human nature (flesh) will review the results and, if necessary, tweak, twist, poke and prod that truth somemore in order to “fine tune” the result.
Here are a few things that God’s word (the most powerful of all words) has to say about our use of words:
James 3:1-12 (HCSB)
1 Not many should become teachers, my brothers, knowing that we will receive a stricter judgment; 2 for we all stumble in many ways. If anyone does not stumble in what he says, he is a mature man who is also able to control his whole body. 3 Now when we put bits into the mouths of horses to make them obey us, we also guide the whole animal. 4 And consider ships: though very large and driven by fierce winds, they are guided by a very small rudder wherever the will of the pilot directs. 5 So too, though the tongue is a small part of the body, it boasts great things. Consider how large a forest a small fire ignites. 6 And the tongue is a fire. The tongue, a world of unrighteousness, is placed among the parts of our bodies; it pollutes the whole body, sets the course of life on fire, and is set on fire by hell. 7 For every creature–animal or bird, reptile or fish–is tamed and has been tamed by man, 8 but no man can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison. 9 With it we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse men who are made in God’s likeness. 10 Out of the same mouth come blessing and cursing. My brothers, these things should not be this way. (emphasis added) 11 Does a spring pour out sweet and bitter water from the same opening? 12 Can a fig tree produce olives, my brothers, or a grapevine produce figs? Neither can a saltwater spring yield fresh water.
Ephesians 5:1-4 (HCSB) (This entire chapter is a great entreaty to the believer - check it out in its entirety!!)
1 Therefore, be imitators of God, as dearly loved children. 2 And walk in love, as the Messiah also loved us and gave Himself for us, a sacrificial and fragrant offering to God. 3 But sexual immorality and any impurity or greed should not even be heard of among you, as is proper for saints. 4 And coarse and foolish talking or crude joking are not suitable, but rather giving thanks.
Ah, so we are to be using our words for giving thanks. If my mouth is busy giving thanks, will I have time to be setting forests on fire with my tongue?
Okay, I told you Ephesians 5 was good! (ALL of God’s word is good!) It is so good, I want to give you some more. (5:6-17)
6 Let no one deceive you with empty arguments, for because of these things God’s wrath is coming on the disobedient. 7 Therefore, do not become their partners. 8 For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light– 9 for the fruit of the light results in all goodness, righteousness, and truth– 10 discerning what is pleasing to the Lord. 11 Don’t participate in the fruitless works of darkness, but instead, expose them. 12 For it is shameful even to mention what is done by them in secret. 13 Everything exposed by the light is made clear, 14 for what makes everything clear is light. Therefore it is said: Get up, sleeper, and rise up from the dead, and the Messiah will shine on you. 15 Pay careful attention, then, to how you walk–not as unwise people but as wise– 16 making the most of the time, because the days are evil. 17 So don’t be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is.
God made His desire very clear here. I am thankful He chose to give us His word, and His Holy Spirit, so that we may know His will.
Father, You are a gracious and merciful God. You are the Alpha and Omega, the Beginning and End. You have always known Your plans for me - even before You knitted me in my mother’s womb. You have given me a clear path to You through Your Son, Jesus Christ. You have provided me with instructions on what You would have me to do to be in Your will. Your word is truly a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path.
Thank you, Father, for Your loving-kindness, Your grace, and Your mercy. May my life be a reflection of Your Son, as You desire - and may all the glory be unto You!
SDG
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Very nicely written honey. I definitely concur with everything. I will admit that I have fallen into that human nature tendency of trying to make myself appear the victim or better than someone else. It is not a very nice thing to experience after you see the damage done as a result of the half truth (LIE). It is impossible to try and take back or remove. The thing that I pray that I will keep in mind is that when I try to make myself appear the victim who am I slandering as the result? The truth should be part of our character as a believers. Good stuff!! Thanks for the reminder.