WHAT DID I SAY?

BIBLE PASSAGE:
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:
When we are a Christian, whether we like it or not, others observe us frequently.
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 accept or promote, but they expect to see them in true followers of
Jesus Christ.

Unbelievers often hold Christians to a higher standard than they have for
themselves. Christians are expected to do certain things, to act certain ways,
and to have certain attitudes and emotions. 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.
As Christians, if we fail in this area, some will perceive us as hypocrites
who are not true followers of Jesus. The world also expects Christians to
be encouraging and have a desire to raise the spirits of others.

However, one of the greatest indicators of true followers of Jesus (at least
in the eyes of the world) is what comes out of their mouths. If we erupt with
anger, if we gossip, if we lie, or if we freely use profanity, then some will ‘tag’
us as hypocrites. If we have a moniker of ‘hypocrite’, we will not be able to
point others to Jesus.

The Bible teaches us that a person who can control his tongue, can seize control
of his whole personality. Self-control begins with controlling our tongues. If a
Christian knows he or she can cause a non-believer to be pushed away from
the Lord when they use profanity, then why wouldn’t they make a special effort
to change their language?

It’s 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. For us
to successfully change, it requires self-discipline, self-control, humility and love
of the Lord. Failure to change, not only impacts others negatively, but it dishonors
the Lord, as well.

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 believers will also face 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:
Question to consider:
    – If others were to judge my sincerity in following the Lord
       what would they say? Have I given them reason for doubt
       by the language I use and the attitude I have?

Justifying gossip, lying, or using foul language is not what the Lord
expects of those in His family. Why? Because they are not appropriate
representations of His Son, Jesus. When we surrender our lives to the
Lord and commit to following Jesus, the ‘playing field’ changes, doesn’t
it? When we follow someone, it means we have a desire to be like them
with our words, actions and attitudes.

Pray,
“Heavenly Father, You and I know if I have been failing in controlling
my tongue. Forgive me if my words, actions, or attitudes have caused
someone to be pushed away from You. Show me how to get control of
my tongue so I will no longer run the risk of having a negative impact
on another person’s life, which could effectively determine where they
will spend eternity. Make me aware that every word I speak is not only
heard by others, but they are also heard by You. Before I speak or act,
teach me to pause and think about how You would receive my words,
actions and attitudes. Convict me of any that would be displeasing to
You and a poor reflection of Jesus.”

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