How Is Your Mouth Doing?

So, between us, how's your mouth doing? I know, surrounded by what we are surrounded with, it's hard sometimes not to add colourful words to our vocabulary. I tell my kids that to choose to use such vulgar language shows a lack of imagination and vocabulary. But there are worse things than a poor choice of vocabulary that comes out of our mouth. Words are mean, destructive and powerful if misused and abused. It is amazing what a terrible force of evil our words can be, spoken, sung or written.

Words are like seeds. Once released they can never be taken back; they are never forgotten. They plant themselves in hearts and minds. There they grow into other things, changing people, sometimes igniting wars:

Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths ... (Ephesians 4:29)

People read that and think like we have talked about here, that it is about crude and vulgar language. Yes, the use of such words hurt and disturb but there is a greater unwholesome talk. There is the talk that tears down and destroys people. There is the spreading of nasty rumours. There is the name calling and labelling. There is the finger pointing and false accusations. There is the complaining and rebellious words spoken in hatred. Yes indeed, there are a lot of words of hate spoken throughout the day. All of this and more is what is unwholesome. Consider what Jesus explained:

What goes into a man’s mouth does not make him ‘unclean,’ but what comes out of his mouth, that is what makes him ‘unclean.’ (Matthew 15:11)

What is coming out of our mouth that reveals the hidden secrets and condition of our heart? We are showing more of ourselves than what we release. I knew that much even as a kid. I was always quiet and was very picky who I spoke with because I did not want to reveal too much of myself. Our words are a window into our heart. But now that Jesus is the occupier of that heart I can't talk enough. I want my heart to be seen so people can see Jesus. That's why the words I use must be a reflection of my King:

Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. (Ephesians 4:29)

The words that come out of our mouth should be words that are useful, important and used for the benefit of others. Words worth speaking are those that encourage and build people up. Our words should defend those who are defenceless, cover those who need forgiveness, comfort those who are in need of  comfort, love those who are loveless. There are seeds that will continue to grow and bear fruit long after we are gone when they are birthed from the love of Jesus.

Our vocabulary is very important and should be a vocabulary of love. You know I am not talking about romance but a selflessness as is revealed in 1 Corinthians 13. Most of you who read this are people of words, of expression, of deep thought. Then consider well your words, whether they are wholesome, and whether they are of benefit to be spoken. There is a reason why our mother's told us "If you have nothing good to say don't say anything at all". But we who are of Christ always have something good to say in every situation, because of his love. Speak well today my friends.