Speech

Power! Unbelievable, power. The power to hurt. The power to heal. The power to destroy. The power to build. Yes, even enough power to turn the world upside down. What is this power? It is a power which influences us each and every day. In fact, it is a power that is exercised by all of us. It is the power of speech.

Read what James said about the tongue. "Indeed, we put bits in horses' mouths that they may obey us, and we turn their whole body. Look also at ships: although they are so large and are driven by fierce winds, they are turned by a very small rudder wherever the pilot desires. Even so the tongue is a little member and boasts great things"(James 3:3-5). In the words of the Genie from Aladdin, "Phenomenal cosmic power, itty bitty living space."

This power, unfortunately, is not confined to the boundaries of good. Rather, it can be used to support the forces of good or of evil. Imagine a fire hose when it is empowered by the pressure of rushing water. When properly controlled and directed, its' water can do much good by putting out a fire. However, if the hose has no restraints or control, it can whip around and cause severe damage. The tongue is much the same way. Why then, if the tongue is so great a power, do many of us keep so loose a hold on it?

Maybe this is a good time for you to step back for a moment. Take just a minute to examine your own speech. Do you tell occasional white lies or exaggerations? Do you speak harshly or with contempt toward others? Do you share in the enjoyment of filthy jokes? Do you use words or phrases that even the world labels "bad". Do you use God's name in vain? Better yet, ask yourself if others see you practice any of these. Jesus said, "For a good tree does not bear bad fruit, nor does a bad tree bear good fruit. For every tree is known by its own fruit" (Luke 6:43-44). Fellow Christians and worldly acquaintances know us by what we do and say. If our speech is corrupt, others assume our hearts are corrupt. "For out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks" (Luke 6:45). Corrupt speech is a strong sign of an corrupt heart.

Remember also that God is listening. In Matthew 12:36-37, Jesus says, "But I say to you that for every idle word men may speak, they will give account of it in the day of judgment. For by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned." You are live and on the air. Everything you utter is being recorded. Choose your words carefully.

It is important, due to its powerfully destructive nature, that corrupt speech be dealt with immediately. Here's a helpful hint. Think of an infestation of fire ants or some other unwanted pest. The best way to exterminate the ants is not by chasing each individual one and stepping on it, but rather by attacking the mound or the source. In the area of speech the mound would be your heart. Kill off the infestation in the heart, and the rest dies naturally.

Paul instructed Timothy to be an example to the believers in speech (I Tim. 4:12). As in all aspects of Christianity, this did not just entail doing away with the bad elements of speech, but also the adoption and practice of positive elements. Paul told the church at Ephesus, "Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers" (Eph. 4:29). Jesus and the apostles brought with them words of instruction, comfort, and encouragement. We should share these same blessings with others.

The most edifying words we can share with others are God's words. Through sharing the instructions of God with others we bring the hope of light, peace, and joy to their lives. Sharing God's message with the world is not just a good idea, but a commandment (Matt. 28:19). We should constantly represent God and teach God through our speech to those who do not know Him or obey Him. Our words of encouragement should not be limited to the world, though. Within the church we should constantly teach and remind people what the Lord has taught in His word.

Our speech should reflect the way we care for and love our brothers and sisters. If there are oppressed or sick brothers, we should offer our words of comfort. They will find new strength just by knowing others care. We also perform a great service when we offer our words of encouragement. Simply by telling someone that you appreciated what they had to say or respected what they did, you have encouraged that person to continue working hard. It also helps them to realize that their efforts are not in vain, and that they are making a difference. It is amazing how a simple encouraging word can lift a person so high and make them feel so good. As Christians, compliments and edifying words should be a daily part of our speech. This is especially important within our own families.

Power. Unbelievable power. With our speech we can drop someone to their knees, or we can lift them toward the sky. It's in you to decide how to use it. Choose wisely. "Out of the same mouth proceed blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not to be so" (Jam. 3:10).