From “The Word For You Today” by Bruce Christian, What Kind Of Example Are You (2)

     Here’s something to keep in mind while going through our day, hopefully with your Lord and Savior leading the way.

 

What Kind Of Example Are You (2)

     It’s nice to say, “Be an example,” but in what specific areas?  For the next few days let’s look at some of them: “Be an example…in speech.”  Go back and read what Paul says to Timothy before this: “Don’t let anybody look down on you because…”  When you speak your credibility is at stake.  Solomon says, “Seest thou a man that is hasty in his words?  there is more hope of a fool than of him” (Pr 29:20).  The trouble with words is, once they’re spoken their impact is felt either positively or negatively-and you can’t take them back!  You can say you’re sorry, but you may have to rebuild your credibility with the person you spoke to, or about.  Here’s the litmus test for your words, and it’s a high standard: “May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing to you, O Lord”  (Ps. 19:14).  The poet wrote “a careless word may kindle strife, a cruel word may wreck a life.  A gracious word may soothe the way, a joyous word may light the day.  A timely word may lessen stress, a loving word may heal and bless.”  So today let your words be faith-building, for people battle with doubt and fear.  Let your words be comforting, for people have wounds you cannot see.  Let your words be uplifting, for people get torn down by criticism and discouragement.  Let your words be calming, for God has promised to bless you if you are a peacemaker.  And let your words be character-building; that way you’ll leave people better off than you found them.

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From “A Golden Treasury for the Children of God” by Carl Heinrich Von Bogatzky

     Just a gentle reminder about the power of our words.

I say unto you, that every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment. Mat_12:36.

See also Eph_4:29. Eph_5:4.

Here all corrupt communication, jesting, foolish talking, or whatever is not convenient, and good to the use of edifying, is plainly forbidden. But who truly believes the report and the truth of these awful words? Surely the world does not believe them at all? This is quite plain, from that very common and shocking practice and custom of judging, lying, swearing, jesting, and talking all manner of filthiness, yea, even religious people very often do not believe and consider them enough. How many heedless, slanderous, idle, and unprofitable words, are sometimes spoken by these! Be therefore careful, my reader, to weigh every word, and to make light of none, for each will increase thine account. Whenever you are going to speak, let the question be first. Is it needful to speak? Does it tend to the glory of God? Will it profit me or others?O Lord grant that never an idle word may drop from my lips. Whenever I am to converse with others, give me grace to converse with thee by secret prayers. In all companies, let thy presence be before mine eyes, always looking upon thee, as the chief person in the place, and receiving direction, when and what I am to speak. May thy good spirit always teach me and sanctify all my thoughts and words.

Thus I resolve before the Lord,
Now will I watch my tongue,
Lest I let slip one sinful word,
Or do my neighbour wrong.