As far as food goes, the Chop-o-Matic lived up to its press. But I have discovered something that decimates its targets even more thoroughly and swiftly. It's the human tongue. How's this for an advertisement?
Death and life are in the power of the tongue. Proverbs 18:31
There is one whose rash words are like sword thrusts. Proverbs 12:18
Do you see a man who is hasty in his words? There is more hope for a fool than for him. Proverbs 29:20
And the tongue is a fire...setting on fire the entire course of life, and set on fire by hell.James 3:16
I could go on, but you know it is true. Have you ever spoken harsh words to your child, and watched them wither in front of your eyes? The only way you could have missed it is if you were so caught up in your own anger and emotions to pay attention to their pain. Our words slice and dice the precious little hearts of our children. Spouses and friends are not immune either. If they fall prey to our "chop-o-matic" moments, they get nicks and stab wounds that will bleed for a lifetime, unhealed.
And of course it has happened to you. Right now I have a beautiful friend, capable and giving, who is emotionally paralyzed because the tongue of her ex-husband ravaged her heart in an untempered rampage. Most everyone knows how that feels. Nothing is more debilitating than to be cursed, torn apart, sliced and diced, particularly at the hands of someone we actually value.
God doesn't take it lightly. He tells us that anyone who claims to be "religious" but doesn't control his tongue is fooling himself. He does NOT belong to God. (James 1:26) Here's some truth in advertising we all should take to heart. Jesus is speaking: "I tell you the truth, on the day of judgment, every one will be held responsible for every careless word they have spoken."(Matthew 12:36)
Those words we say in anger, to drive home a point, to win an argument, the thoughtless criticisms, the cursing, the lies we tell, the hurtful things that so easily flow out of our mouths actually come from hearts that are far from healthy. Jesus says he's not having it. Not having it. We are accountable. We will pay the price.
David knew that was true, so he regularly prayed, "May the thoughts I think and the words I say be approved by you, my God." Good place to start. Pray that today and every day, all day long. There's a good chance you have an apology or two to make, as well. You can start healing someone's heart today. Do it. "The mouth of the wise brings healing." Proverbs 12:18
There is one whose rash words are like sword thrusts. Proverbs 12:18
Do you see a man who is hasty in his words? There is more hope for a fool than for him. Proverbs 29:20
And the tongue is a fire...setting on fire the entire course of life, and set on fire by hell.James 3:16
I could go on, but you know it is true. Have you ever spoken harsh words to your child, and watched them wither in front of your eyes? The only way you could have missed it is if you were so caught up in your own anger and emotions to pay attention to their pain. Our words slice and dice the precious little hearts of our children. Spouses and friends are not immune either. If they fall prey to our "chop-o-matic" moments, they get nicks and stab wounds that will bleed for a lifetime, unhealed.
And of course it has happened to you. Right now I have a beautiful friend, capable and giving, who is emotionally paralyzed because the tongue of her ex-husband ravaged her heart in an untempered rampage. Most everyone knows how that feels. Nothing is more debilitating than to be cursed, torn apart, sliced and diced, particularly at the hands of someone we actually value.
God doesn't take it lightly. He tells us that anyone who claims to be "religious" but doesn't control his tongue is fooling himself. He does NOT belong to God. (James 1:26) Here's some truth in advertising we all should take to heart. Jesus is speaking: "I tell you the truth, on the day of judgment, every one will be held responsible for every careless word they have spoken."(Matthew 12:36)
Those words we say in anger, to drive home a point, to win an argument, the thoughtless criticisms, the cursing, the lies we tell, the hurtful things that so easily flow out of our mouths actually come from hearts that are far from healthy. Jesus says he's not having it. Not having it. We are accountable. We will pay the price.
David knew that was true, so he regularly prayed, "May the thoughts I think and the words I say be approved by you, my God." Good place to start. Pray that today and every day, all day long. There's a good chance you have an apology or two to make, as well. You can start healing someone's heart today. Do it. "The mouth of the wise brings healing." Proverbs 12:18
1 comment:
So incredibly true and one of my biggest struggles. I can only keep praying and changing my perspective, and everyone will know the condition of my heart is where it should be. Love your blog!
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