WHAT DID I SAY?

SCRIPTURE:
If anyone considers himself religious and yet does not keep a tight 
rein on his tongue, he deceives himself and his religion is worthless.  
(James 1:26)

MEDITATION:
Whether we like it or not, others observe Christians on a frequent basis.
That means that all believers have opportunities to draw others to the Lord, 
or push them away from Him.
There are certain qualities that the world doesn’t necessarily adopt or promote, 
but they expect to see them in true followers of Christ.

Christians are expected to do certain things and to act certain ways.
For instance, the world expects Christians to be filled with love.
Why? Because they know enough about Jesus to know that He was full of love.
If we fail in this area, 
then we will be perceived as hypocrites who are not true followers of Jesus.

The world also expects Christians to be encouraging 
and lift the spirits of others.
However, one of the greatest barometers of true followers of Christ 
(at least in the eyes of the world) is what comes out of our mouths. 
If we erupt with anger and use profanity freely, 
then we will be deemed as hypocrites by the world.
Hypocrites do not draw the lost to the Lord.

But it goes even deeper than just the use of profanity.
If we are known for lying, gossiping, and putting down others, 
then we will not be perceived as followers of the Lord.
The Bible teaches us that a man who can control his tongue, 
can seize control of his whole personality.
Self-control begins with controlling our tongues.

If a believer knows that he can cause a non-believer 
to be pushed away from the Lord when he uses profanity, 
then why wouldn’t he make a special effort to change his language?
It is not that difficult, it just requires choosing our words carefully, 
and in some cases, substituting other words for the ones we are accustomed 
to using;
it requires self-discipline, self-control, and humility and a love for the Lord.
Failing to do this not only impacts others negatively, 
but it also dishonors the Lord.

The scriptures tell us to act and speak in the right manner.
Speak and act as those who are going to be judged 
by the law that gives freedom (James 2:12)

In 2 Corinthians, we are told that even believers will face a judgment.
For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each of us 
may receive what is due us for the things done while in the body, whether good 
or bad. (2 Corinthians 5:10) 

ACTION:
If others were to judge your sincerity of following the Lord 
by the language you use, what would they say?
Justifying the use of foul language 
is not what the Lord expects of His followers.

Pray,
“Heavenly Father, You and I know if I have been failing in the area of 
controlling my tongue. Forgive me if some have been pushed away from 
You because of the words they have heard me use. Show me how to get 
control of my tongue so that I will no longer run the risk of having a 
negative impact on someone’s life, and possibly where they will spend 
eternity. Make me aware that every word I speak is not only heard by 
others, but is also heard by You.”