The next big lie

Now I come to a subject for which I have every (and yet no) qualification. This subject is one of the most subtle lies to ever make it out of the mouth of Satan. Are you ready? Here we go then.

2. It doesn't really matter what I say.


Words are the most powerful weapons we own and in the wrong hands or used for the wrong motives they can be of devastating consequence. It is not of small importance that the first creative thing in history was a word. The word of God. The word of God is referred to as the sword of the spirit and Jesus himself is called The word of God. Words matter.

But I tell you that everyone will have to give account on the day of judgement for every empty word they have spoken. ~Matthew 12:36


In the most excellent Message version Eugene Peterson puts it this way "There will be a time of Reckoning. Words are powerful; take them seriously. Words can be your salvation. Words can also be your damnation." 


Now this command could turn us all into gibbering wrecks without the Spirit of grace. In the same passage Jesus also talks about how the words flow out of our hearts. So it is our hearts that need the clean up rather than our words because out of a clean heart will come clean words.


 How many of us have slandered brothers and sisters in their absence in a way we would never dream of doing in their presence. Do we think its of no consequence just because they cant hear. I believe we should honour all people (especially our brothers and sisters) whether they can defend themselves or not. We should be jealous for each others reputation. And the words we speak against people do US no justice as children of God. As we speak them we are condemning ourselves, they have a power over us and they have a power over our hearer. Our hearer must then make a moral decision based on what they have heard. Do they go along with us (often just to keep us happy) and condemn themselves. Do they remain silent (and thus are complicit in our sin) or do they challenge us and risk damaging a friendship. And it is we who have put them in this position. As James says "With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse human beings, who have been made in God’s likeness".


Is there a place for talking about problems and frustrations and hurts we have with others? Of course there is. It is really our hearts that are key and thank God for that we have Jesus. Our hearts can be healed. In the same manner we are told "In your anger do not sin" be very careful not to speak out of your hurt, frustration etc. Acknowledge it, acknowledge it with friends but resist blaming language. And speak with trusted friends about these issues in the light of Gods forgiveness and never to gossip. Remember "what you bless on earth will be blessed in heaven".


It is also not always what we say but also how we say things. Through our words our attitudes are conveyed. Much damage can be done to others through tone alone. My recent prayer, one that I carry with me is this "God give me the patience that you have shown to me" I always find this throws my negative feelings back on me and I can remember how merciful God is to me..and I never want to be like that unforgiving servant.


Some good news


James, who writes about the taming of the tongue, and is the brother of Jesus (debatabley but that's my take) and has an incredibly effective moral compass admits himself, in one of the strongest diatribes on this subject,


All kinds of animals, birds, reptiles and sea creatures are being tamed and have been tamed by mankind,  but no human being can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison. ~(James 3:7-8)


Now I know this doesn't sound like good news but let me assure you that if James is saying that no one can do it, we can at least relieve ourselves of unrealistic expectations. James is, however, saying that we can all have a go, that we have to. In doing so, much damage by the enemy will be averted.


And the flip side is that our words have life. Our words are eternal, angels recording every one, so we can (and no doubt do) do incredible good with our words. We can build up and affirm, correct and encourage, prophesy and bring into life, heal, forgive, bless, challenge. You are children of God, and if so then Princes and Princesses with all the weight of heaven behind your words. Lets use them wisely and turn them back on the enemy of our souls.