Matthew 12:34 "out of the abundance of the heart does the mouth speak."When's the last time you've truly thought about what you're saying, thought about the impact that words can have? This summer Matthew 12:34 really stuck out to me. As I meditated on this and really thought about the impact that I could have that would either create or destroy. I can't even begin to describe the enormity of this! This verse says that what we fill our heart and mind with, that is what we speak. Still not convinced? When you hang out with people that are constantly swearing, talking about lust, or gossiping, what are the things that come our of your mouth? Or, when you listen to music with "bad" lyrics what thoughts do you have? Are they thoughts of life and encouragement? If you're like me then I'm guessing their not the thoughts that God intends for us. I've found a couple key verses that outline the importance of watching our words.
Romans 12:2 tells us that although we are IN this world we shouldn't be OF it. "Don't copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God's will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect." We can't become what God's called us to be when we aren't willing to change the way we think. And, the way we think is affected by what we put into our ears and eyes. What happens after you watch a horror movie? Usually you're scared, nightmares occur, and doubts enter you mind. What if, as Christians we choose to set aside horror movies and instead fill our minds with life-building things? How much more could we be filled to the measure of the fullness of God?
Ephesians 5:1 "Imitate God, therefore, in everything you do, because you are his dear children." God gave us a perfect example, Jesus. He was flesh, he went through the same temptations and fleshy desires that we go through; however, he chose to honor his father. Jesus chose to fill his mind and heart with the love of God. Jesus didn't lust over women and he sowed life into people with his words. He honored people with both his words and action. So, if we're supposed to imitate God then we also need to honor people with our word and actions.
Proverbs 6:2 "you have been trapped by what you said, ensnared by the words of your mouth,"
1 Corinthians 6:12 "Everything is permissible for me"--but not everything is beneficial." The argument that happens every time this topic is brought up is , "Well it's doesn't say anywhere that I shouldn't swear, listen to suggestive music, watch horror films, or do things such as drugs or drink." Yes, this is true, however, these things aren't going to further your relationship with Christ, share the good news, or bring life. These things only bring destruction. What really irks me is when girls are called names like: slut, whore, etc. casually. Yes, the person doesn't really mean it, but why would you want to put those kinds of thing on a person? Why would you want to intentionally degrade someone whether they realize it or not? You still think words don't mean anything?
- "In one study 72% of women reported that being ridiculed by their abusive partners had the greatest impact on them" [www.springtideresources.org/resources/show.cfm?id=33]
- "In the UK at least 16 children kill themselves each year because they are being bullied at school" [www.bullyonline.org/stress/suicide.htm]
-Deuteronomy 30:19 "This day I call heaven and earth as witnesses against you that I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Now choose life, so that you and your children may live"
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