“Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it might benefit those who listen. And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving, just as Christ forgave you.”

Ephesians 4:29-31

I had just started attending Bible Study when my pastor said it was almost 4:30[1]. I had no idea what he was talking about since it was obviously almost 7:00. But as the night progressed, I found this to be a proactive phrase I repeat in my mind when harsh words are forming on my tongue.

Our tongues can be our worst enemy sometimes, and unfortunately, our tongues are also probably our hardest temptation. As I don’t think it’s so bad to vent to those you can trust, I know how hard it is to keep the venting from going on to the next level of bitterness, anger, rage, and slander. And then it becomes easy to sling words around that do more damage than the original intent – even if it’s just an ash in our own soul. For one unwholesome word leads to another, and then as James warns us like “a tiny spark that sets a great forest on fire” (James 3:5) it begins to burn out of control.

Our words can bless and praise the Lord, or they can curse His creation (James 3:9). Our words can influence others whether they are a worthy reflection of God or an unworthy reflection of ourselves (Jeremiah 15:19 and James 3:3-4). And our words can breathe peace or bleed poison (James 3:8).

Now I’m not saying that I have this under control yet, cause taming the tongue is hard to do, but when I feel like I’m getting ready to dance with the devil, that alarm clock goes off telling me it’s 4:29 (Ephesians 4:29). Sometimes I repeatedly hit snooze, and sometimes I get up and go, but there’s not any time that God hasn’t reminded me Who my words should honor and that by speaking the words that are forming on my tongue I could “grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption” (Ephesians 4:30)

So as much as speaking our minds may clear our heads, where does it steer our hearts? Does it soothe our soul or spoil our Spirit? Does it gratify peace or cultivate trouble? Does it bring glory to God or bring grief to the very one who gives us breath to speak? Is it almost 4:30?

12 words

Are our words headed towards grief or grace? Stop, breathe, and reframe.

[1] Origin unknown, but my pastor, Scott Sharman, gives credit to Brian Jennings.

#SaturdaySoulSearch