LiveDifferent Challenge (30): By Your Words

This morning I read these words of Jesus in my quiet time:

“…For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks.  A good man out of the good treasure ofhis heart brings forth good things, and an evil man out of the evil treasure brings forth evil things. But I say to you that every idle word men may speak, they will give account of it in the the day of judgment.  For by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned.”  Matthew 12:34-37

It naturally reminded me of the ever-convicting words of Paul…

“Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers.”  Ephesians 4:29

And of James:

“But no man can tame the tongue. It is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison.  With it we bless our God and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in the similitude of God. Out of the same mouth proceed blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not to be so.”  James 3:8-10

Then Jeff stumbled across this video, by John Piper’s DesiringGod ministry, which dramatizes the James 3 passage powerfully:

Wow.  Jeff and I were both reminded several times in the past week just about how unruly our tongues can be, especially with regard to “foolish talking and course jesting” (Eph. 5:4).  We live in such an age of sarcasm, and yes perhaps “we kid because we care”, but several times I’ve thought of just how stupid I can be, how often I’d like to go back and just delete something I say.  But there’s no option for that. And the things that we say in our least guarded moments are revelatory of our hearts, just as Jesus said.

I am challenged by Jesus reminder that we will be judged by the idle words that we speak.  Words are a gift.  A tool.  A means of furthering the kingdom of God and providing healing for those who are wounded.  How do I use my words?

A few nights ago Jeff and I went and saw Fireproof, the new movie about the Love Dare.  The Love Dare was a 40-day challenge, with each day presenting a new thing for Caleb, the main character, to do for his wife in order to learn the meaning of true love and commitment.  Day One of the Love Dare quoted James 3, and challenged Caleb to refrain from saying anything negative or critical to his wife.  I think it’s interesting that the Love Dare started with words.  It didn’t start with flowers, romance, or even anything to do with praying together or reading Scripture together. It just started with taming the tongue.  James tells us the tongue is the rudder that steers the entire ship, perhaps there is wisdom then in starting there.

I’m enormously challenged in this area. Our culture uses sarcasm, belittles, and throws words around with no caution whatsoever.  The norm is to use words manipulatively, for our own gain and benefit.  Scripture says our words are sacred, blessing God.  How we use them will steer the course of our life.  By our words we will be justified, and by our words we will be condemned.

So this challenge this week is watch our words.  My personal challenge is to not use sarcasm or say anything belittling or negative this week.  I will not complain.  Perhaps you want to do something similar.  Ask your spouse for accountability.  Try day one of the Love Dare, and refuse to say anything critical to your spouse.  Tailor make the challenge for your own life.  Where does your verbal life need to change?  God give us the grace to use words for your glory, for furtherance of your Kingdom, and to build up and heal those in our lives.  We know we need to grow. Give us grace.