Sinful Tongue Part 2

In the previous post, we discussed the importance of speaking as a Christian. Recall the ways we've already covered in which we can use our tongues in ways that are not pleasing to God. They were by lying, flattery, being proud, and through overuse. Hopefully that gave you something to think about. The first step in asking God to correct you is to recognize that something needs correcting.  I hope you are ready to dive even deeper in examining the errors of our tongue. Let's pick up where we left off with more ways that God is not pleased with our talk and ways that we are misusing our mouths as Christians. Go ahead and get ready... these particular ways may apply to a few more of us than the previous post:

Too Fast

We have all spoken before time. Instead of waiting on the Lord or choosing our words wisely we just blurt it out. God's word says the following in Proverbs 18:13: "To answer before listening - is a folly and shame"  James 1:19 warns us to be quick to hear and slow to speak. Seriously sis, once those words leave your mouth they are out there. They can't be recalled and the damage is done. It is worth it to take some time and think before you speak. We boast sometimes that "I say whatever is on my mind." That ain't cute, girlfriend. If our thoughts are innappropriate, we should think before saying anything. Maturity shows in our ability to filter our speech so that it is pleasing to God and not hurtful to others. Besides, if you speak before you listen how do you even know you are responding to the right thing?

Two Faced

Proverbs 25:23 and Romans 1:30 make mention of a sly tongue or a slanderer. I'm sure we don't need the explanation but this is someone who uses their tongue against you when you aren't present, yet they will not face you with their charges when you are present. Christians very often show two faces by criticizing each other or talking about a brother or sister in Christ rather than encouraging them or holding them accountable. Proverbs 6:19 warns against the false witness who pours out lies and a person who stirs up conflict in the community.

Gossipping

Proverbs 18:8 says, "The words of a gossip are like choice morsels; they go down to the inmost parts" Leviticus 19:16 says, "Do not go about spreading slander among your people." As Christians we have a responsibility to deny our own desires and seek to edify other Christians (Rom. 14:19; Philip. 2:3).  Gossiping and spreading the business of or lies about others is not edifying to the Kingdom and is one of Satan's greatest weapons against us. We should do all that we can to stop gossip. Do not participate in it and do not allow anyone to tell you gossip. If you refuse to listen to it, eventually people will not even think to share it with you. What we allow, we encourage. Don't let people gossip around you.

Cursing

The cursing Christians are some of the most skilled cursers I've ever heard in my life!!! You have not been cursed out until a Christian woman lets you have it. That's a shame, but it is true. Profanity is often used as a means of expressing deep or sincere emotions. Sometimes it is used for lack of expanded vocabulary. But for some of us, myself included, it just fits in a sentence perfectly sometimes. Let's repent y'all! I am guilty of slipping up in anger occasionally. Romans 3:14 says, "Their mouth is full of cursing and bitterness." This passage is actually explaining unsaved people and their ungodly ways, yet there are a great many professing Christians who curse regularly."He loved to pronounce a curse- may it come back on him. he found no pleasure in blessing- may it be far from him. He wore cursing as his garment; it entered into his body like water, into his bones like oil."(Psalm 109:17-18) I can't stress enough how important it is for us to not allow curses to flow freely from the same mouth we use to bless God's holy name.

Smart Mouth

I'm going to be honest with y'all. As I was preparing to write this post, I did more repenting than writing. I spit fire when it comes to smart remarks! :( I hope God is speaking to you as much as He is speaking to me, sis. I have a smart mouth. We've disguised the negative attribute by dressing it up in a more acceptable term; sarcasm. Proverbs 12:18 speaks of this tongue by saying, "The words of the reckless pierce like swords, but the tongue of the wise brings healing." Some people have a sharp piercing tongue which Satan uses to offend and insult others. As Christians, we are called to speak in grace. (Colossians 4:6) Titus 2:8 commands us to use sound speech which cannot be condemned. It is easier to catch more flies with honey than with vinegar. As it is more easily to reach people with graceful, compassionate speech rather than harsh, sarcastic, bitter words.

Quiet Mouse

Just as it is possible for us to talk too much, it is also possible for us to not talk enough. We have been called to speak out, witness, and testify in the name of Jesus! In Acts 1:8, Jesus said, "But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth." Christians have an obligation to tell others about the saving grace of Jesus. To be silent about Christ is to sin against Christ. Jesus said, "Whosoever therefore shall be ashamed of me and of my words in this adulterous and sinful generation; of him also shall the Son of man be ashamed, when he cometh in the glory of his Father with the holy angels." (Mark 8:38) I know that it was difficult for me to speak up about God for a very long time so I had to pray for the Holy Spirit to speak through me and even give me opportunities to share His word. Sometimes it's easier to tell the world, as we should... but it starts in our own homes or right next door, witnessing to people that we see every day. Practice!

Now I know that this can be difficult, especially when you've been use to speaking a certain way for so long and granted just as those habits were not built over night, they will be hard to break. The most important thing is to start from the inside out and allow the Holy Spirit the freedom to operate in your speech. As your heart and mind are transformed, you will began to talk differently. It may not hurt to keep in mind that God hears these words that are coming from your mouth at all times. What if the Lord comes back right while you are letting somebody have it? As Christians, we are representatives of Christ. So not only should we not act and speak as the world, but we should be an example to the world of godly behavior. Watch your mouth!

 

With love, 

-Kimyatta

Daily Prayer: Lord, please help me to use my mouth only in ways that are pleasing to you. Help me to examine my thoughts before I speak and give me the words and opportunity to build others up instead of tearing them down. 

Scripture to Study: Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. James 4:7