THIS IS TABLE ROCK FELLOWSHIP – PASTOR RYAN LADEN (DEVOTIONALS)
Word Troubles
Do your words ever get you into trouble?
Have you ever been told that your attitude conveys a tone and a force that you did not intend?
If you and I could reach into our brains and install some sort of filter that removes all of our offensive and ungodly language and expressions, we would most likely find ourselves with a lot more joy in our lives, and probably a lot more friends as well.
In the passage that follows, we hear how important it is to get to the source of our words and attitudes as we seek to walk through this life as ambassadors for Christ. Our words and our attitudes make a HUGE impact on the health of our relationships and on the success of our chosen careers.
Listen to how this is expressed in the following:
“Not many of you should become teachers, my fellow believers, because you know that we who teach will be judged more strictly. We all stumble in many ways. Anyone who is never at fault in what they say is perfect, able to keep their whole body in check.
When we put bits into the mouths of horses to make them obey us, we can turn the whole animal. Or take ships as an example. Although they are so large and are driven by strong winds, they are steered by a very small rudder wherever the pilot wants to go. Likewise, the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts. Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark. The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole body, sets the whole course of one’s life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell.
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.
With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse human beings, who have been made in God’s likeness. Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers and sisters, this should not be. Can both fresh water and salt water flow from the same spring? My brothers and sisters, can a fig tree bear olives, or a grapevine bear figs? Neither can a salt spring produce fresh water.”
Conclusion
Let’s start our examination of this truth with the conclusion heard in verses 9-12. The point being made in this teaching is summed up here, by challenging us to see that our words and attitudes flow from within our hearts.
Responsibility
We are the ultimate source and bearer of responsibility for our words.
We cannot blame others for the way that we speak or for the words that we choose to use. We cannot point to our friends or our upbringing and say that it is someone else’s fault that we spew out vile and destructive words.
Change
If you and I want to see change in the way that we represent Christ to the world, we need to start by looking at the condition of our heart. How can we do that? By weighing up our words and expressions.
If we want to build stronger families, marriages, or raise our children and grandchildren in such a way that we lead them into a real and living faith, then we need to heed the truth of this teaching.
Reflection
Are you willing to come before the Lord today and make these faith-filled commitments?
· Lord, I want to speak words of truth and encouragement.
· Jesus, I want to attract others to you with my words and attitudes.
· Heavenly Father, I submit my jokes, stories, and “little lies” to you, and ask that you help me reject these temptations.
· In the name of Jesus Christ, I confess my desire to have only one source in my heart. I do not want to hold onto any love of evil. I am all in with you, Lord Jesus!
In Christ,
Ryan Laden
OUR MISSION AS A CHURCH
“TO ENCOURAGE AND EQUIP EACH OTHER IN LOVE TO KNOW JESUS AND MAKE HIM KNOWN”
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