Honouring God In Our Speech
Friday September 11, 2015
Be an example to all believers in what you say, in the way you live, in your love, your faith, and your purity. (1 Timothy 4:12 NLT)
We claim to be Christians with our mouths. God’s word challenges us to think about ALL the words that come from our mouths and only claim to be a Christian when the words we say match who we say we are.
Those who claim they belong to the Lord must turn away from all wickedness. Obscene stories, foolish talk, and coarse jokes—these are not for you. Instead, let there be thankfulness to God. But now is the time to get rid of anger, rage, malicious behavior, slander, and dirty language. (2 Timothy 2:19, Ephesians 5:4, Colossians 3:8 NLT)
Do we honour God with the content of our casual conversation? Stories and jokes may celebrate and honour a person or, they may speak against and demean a person’s race, or their cultural background. Much of what we label as “comedy” has sexual undertones that dishonour God’s plan for intimate relationships. This should give us reason to pause and consider what we say when we open our mouths to speak, what we listen to, look at, and fill our minds with. We are not being “prudes” when we pause to consider these things. We are acting as people of God. Are we out of step with our culture? Absolutely! Just as Jesus did, we are called to challenge people to a higher standard by the way we live. Do we? Are we honouring God with our use of His name in our words and in our lives? Are we honouring one another in our conversations, our commitments, and even in our frustrations?
Moments of anger, disappointment, and frustration are filled with temptation to speak dishonourably. People act unfairly or carelessly in ways that deeply impact and harm others. It is so easy to think and speak in ways that dishonour and curse a person in reaction to what they have said or done. This is not an acceptable way to deal with these issues.
And so blessing and cursing come pouring out of the same mouth. Surely, my brothers and sisters, this is not right! But the wisdom from above is first of all pure. It is also peace loving, gentle at all times, and willing to yield to others. It is full of mercy and the fruit of good deeds. It shows no favoritism and is always sincere. (James 3:10; 17 NLT)
Today, let’s pray that we may grow in grace as we sincerely encourage ourselves and others to be honourable in everything we say and do.
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