Oh Be Careful Little Mouth What You Say

This is an outline of thoughts shared with our Golden Ager Group on November 29, 2010.

The word, "word" or "words" is used at least 992 times in the Bible. There is power behind these words:

• Sit with Us
• I promise
• You're Hired/You're Fired
• We did everything we could
• you bless me
• It's malignant
• welcome
• I love you!

Words power stuff like, speeches, books, music, the Internet, radio, TV/Movies have  script of words, Education, Road Signs, Quotes, Stories, Drama and even directions. The Bible has given us a lot of direction about our words.

• Colossians 3:7 We are to rid ourselves of stuff like slander, malice, lying, filthy language - and put on the NEW self.
• 1 Peter 2:1-3  Rid ourselves of deceit, envy, slander - and crave the Word like a baby craves milk.
• James 4:11 If you speak against a brother, it is judging God's law - not a good idea.
• Matthew 12:34 - The mouth reveals what the heart has in it. We will give an account to God for our words... wow!
• Ephesians 4:29 Do not let any unwholesome words leave our mouths - but only what builds up and benefits.
• Ephesians 5:3  No foolish talk and obscenity - ranked in with immorality of idolaters... not going to inherit the kingdom of Christ... watched any TV lately?

Words are powerful and driven by our intentions. However, intentions are not sufficient. Here are some things that begin with GOOD intentions that become what they should not be:

• Unhealthy relationships often develop from good intentions to help
• Gossip often begins with an intention to inform or help
• Spoiled children are born of good intentions.
• Criticism, though never asked for in Scripture, is often intended as a good thing.

Christians utter some of the words that drive people away - we must know that our words are powerful. Listen to a sermon or sing songs - we have the opportunity to be thankful and graceful - and help our children see light in the Lord - or to be critical - and plant seeds of doubt in their minds that can flourish during those times of questioning and rebellion.

We are at WAR - and our words will either be fuel for good in that war or fuel for evil. (Ephesians 6) We cannot hide under the guise of 'neutral' words - for they almost never exist.

CONSIDER that there is only ONE way to make sure our words do not  become fodder for the enemy to use against us, our children or others we  love. Isn't it silly to "vent" our frustrations about the body of Christ to co-workers and then invite them to Friend Day?

• Colossians 3:17 Whatever you do, whatever we say... say like you are saying it to God.
• Colossians 4:5  Let our conversations be filled with grace.
• 1 Peter 4:11   Speak as if speaking the very words of God.
• 2 Thessalonians 2:16  Encourage hearts, strengthen in deed and word.
• 1 Thessalonians 4:18  Encourage each other.

Find the one and only way by considering these two things before the mouth opens.

• Do I use healing words? Don't get confused on where the battle is. It's not about me or you - it's about God's way.

• Do our words give value. Our words to others or about others will either give or take value... no other option.