The Tongue, a Weapon for Good or Evil?

Ephesians 4:29, Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear. 

Are we all not a little guilty of corrupt talking every now and then? I know I let some things slip every now and then. Yet verse after verse in the Word, it states we are to refrain from this behavior. The worst of this, murmuring is considered an abomination. This should show us how much power the tongue carries. It can heal or damage with just a few words. It is a Christians responsibility to examine each word we are about to speak and I believe also the tone in which they are emitted. Our words should always lift others up and never speak about the negatives. If we truly seeking His grace, our words will surely allow us to grow closer to Him and others.

I have in my lifetime spewed literally death from my lips on more than one occasion. Whether it was job related (law enforcement), retaliation in relationships and yes even murmuring. Obviously these words didn't get me far in life. Through trial and error and some maturity I learned different. I still have to be careful, especially in maters of the heart. These words can leap out either while being offended or to offend another. We can choose to speak of life or death. The enemy hides in words like, I can't, it's painful, I'm scared, your wrong, i hate, and many others that speak negatives. God lives in words such as I Love, we can, yes, and many others. See in God you can succeed, you can win and you can overcome ALL things. Just speak into them both in prayer and otherwise positively, with life, as Jesus would. Matthew 12:34-37, How can you speak good, when you are evil? For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks. The good person out of his good treasure brings forth good, and the evil person out of his evil treasure brings forth evil. I tell you, on the day of judgment people will give account for every careless word they speak, for by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned.” 

Jesus accomplished so much just with his tongue. He healed, Luke 17:19, And he said to him, “Rise and go your way; your faith has made you well.” Jesus forgave, Luke 7:47-48, “…Therefore I tell you, her sins, which are many, are forgiven—for she loved much. But he who is forgiven little, loves little.” And he said to her, “Your sins are forgiven.” And he gave life, John 11:43, Jesus called in a loud voice, “Lazarus, come out!". In all of these references Jesus only spoke life and just with the power of his tongue he accomplished these things. Imagine what we can accomplish as He has given us the same authority to proclaim these victories in His name, Mark 13:34, "For the Son of man is as a man taking a far journey, who left his house, and gave authority to his servants, and to every man his work, and commanded the porter to watch." Stand on His side, speak life and hope. Speak so that those around you know that God lives in you and all things are possible in Him. 

We all have the responsibility as a Christian to not only let God work in our lives, but to speak in all situations, positive Christ like words. Imagine this, if Jesus was standing in front of you right now, what would you say about any given situation? Would your words be of life or death? Would they be uplifting in nature or negative. Would they be selfless or selfish? Only you know, if you have to justify your position than it probably isn't Christ like. As Kingdom principles requires no defense to stand on its own. Is this business practice selfless or selfish? Is this stance on an issue positive or negative. Does this relationship or direction of it, have to be defended or does it stand on its own? Our words follow these same principles. If we have to defend them than they may not be the wisest choice. Sometimes silence is the correct action, Proverbs 17:28, Even a fool is thought wise if he keeps silent, and discerning if he holds his tongue.

Let's Pray: Father God, We ask that you guide our words Lord so that they give life not death Father. We ask that you forgive us for our sins and allow us to forgive others. Father we want to thank you for showing us your ways and allowing us to be imperfect, although You also grant us Your Heavenly grace to be redeemed. Father give us the wisdom to use our tongues to support Kingdom principles and not the enemy. Father grant us the strength to silence our tongues when we need to. Father we thank you for all that you do in our lives and we ask all this in Jesus name....AMEN.