TEXT:
‘The words you say will either acquit you or condemn you’ (Matthew 12:37 NLT).
Jesus taught that what fills your heart will fill your mouth, when He said, ‘How could evil men like you speak what is good and right? For whatever is in your heart determines what you say’ (Matthew 12:34 NLT). The words we speak can have a great influence on our lives.
The Bible says the tongue is like a rudder that steers the ship in any direction, although the ship is thousands of times greater in size (See James 3:4-5). Our tongue is so little compared with the rest of the body, but it can have a powerful influence over our body, whether for good or bad. The Bible has much to say about the importance of speaking the right words.
1. God knows what is being spoken on earth – ‘You must give an account on judgment day for every idle word you speak’ (Matthew 12:36 NLT).
For men to have to give an account, there must be a record kept. That’s the blessing of being saved as Jesus wiped out the accusations written down against us (See Colossians 2:14). God knows what we are saying; whether inwardly thought or outwardly expressed. This is why the Psalmist prayed, ‘May my spoken words and unspoken thoughts be pleasing even to you, O Lord my Rock and my Redeemer’ (Psalm 19:14 TLB).
2. Take care how you respond verbally
A. About the leading of the Lord
While in the wilderness, all the Children of Israel had to do was to keep their eyes on the pillar of cloud over the tabernacle. If it moved, they got ready to move, if it stayed, they stayed. God would search out a new place to camp in. The Israelites soon started complaining. The Bible says, ‘The people complained about their hardships in the hearing of the Lord, and when he heard them, his anger was aroused’ (Numbers 11:1 NIV). Hardship and life go hand in hand, and no one really knows the trials they may face.
B. About lack in your life
The Children of Israel complained about bitter water and the lack of water (See Exodus 15:22-25, 17:1-7). God responded by turning the bitter water sweet and brought water out of the rock. Then they moaned about only having miraculously provided manna to eat, instead of the fish, fruit and vegetables they had enjoyed in Egypt, conveniently forgetting they had been brutally oppressed and murdered by their Egyptian masters. In response, God provided quails (See Numbers 11:31-34). Instead of being thankful, the next lack they faced turned into another complaint until Moses was exasperated with their continual griping.
When you face lack in your life, don’t complain or drop subtle hints to others about being in need. Jesus said, ‘When you pray, go away by yourself, shut the door behind you, and pray to your Father in private. Then your Father, who sees everything, will reward you’ (Matthew 6:6 NLT).
C. About Church Leadership – ‘Miriam and Aaron talked against Moses behind his back … They said, “Is it only through Moses that God speaks? Doesn’t he also speak through us?” God overheard their talk’ (Numbers 12:1 MSG).
When God summoned Aaron and Miriam, perhaps they thought they would be filled with the Spirit in the same way as the 70 elders were (See Numbers 11:16-30). What a shock when God rebuked them, and Miriam was struck with leprosy. Only Moses’ intercession saved her. How many times have leaders ended up praying for the very ones who criticised them. This doesn’t mean ministers can’t be challenged, but they can be an easy target for congregations to vent their frustration and anger on.
3. Words have power
A. To lift people up or to put them down
Godly prophecy, as one of the nine Gifts of the Holy Spirit, is intended to have a threefold effect; to build up, to stir up, and to cheer up God’s people (See 1 Corinthians 14:3). We’ll get the best out of people when we speak kindly, to them and about them.
B. Death or Life – ‘Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it and indulge it will eat its fruit and bear the consequences of their words’ (Proverbs 18:21 AMP).
If we want the fruit of life, we must plant the seeds of life. We will always reap what we sow. If we don’t like what we’re eating, we must change what we’re planting.
How we speak to ourselves is so important. Others, including our family, may not have a good word to say about us, but we need to speak well about ourselves, and remind ourselves of God’s promises and what He thinks about us. For example:
‘Why are you cast down, O my soul? … hope in God for I shall yet praise Him’ (Psalm 42:5)
‘I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me’ (Philippians 4:13)
‘All things are working together for good to those who love God’ (Romans 8:28)
Just the speaking of these verses over our lives, releases power for good.
4. When you gather with God’s people use your mouth
Thank God, because of Jesus, we do not have to come with a bull, goat, lamb or dove. What are we to use our mouths for?
A. To bless God with the sacrifice of praise – ‘The voice of those who will say: “Praise the Lord of hosts, For the Lord is good, For His mercy endures forever”— and of those who will bring the sacrifice of praise into the house of the Lord’ (Jeremiah 33:11)
B. To build up others through prayer, praise, prophecy and fellowship
It’s a contradiction when Christians are so quiet during the singing, yet so animated when it’s time for tea and coffee afterwards. Entering Jerusalem, Jesus said the stones would cry out if the people stopped praising. How much easier it is for Christians, who are living stones, to shout hallelujahs to the King of Kings!
Recent Comments