James 3:2 For we all stumble in many things. If anyone does not stumble in word, he is a perfect man, able also to bridle the whole body.
Most people have had a moment when they have said something that they wish they could take back. We hear ourselves saying the words and seconds later cannot believe that we have just said those things.
Whether it is the result of anger or frustration, or even the casual slip of the tongue as we talk to our friends, all of us have stumbled in the usage of our words.
James points out that all of us stumble in many things everyday. If a person is able to control their words, then that person has reached a wonderful place of maturity in their walk with the Lord.
To consciously be aware of every word that comes out of our mouth. To measure the meaning of each word, and withhold those that would cause hurt, anger or embarrassment to the person hearing them. The ability to use our speech in such a way that it is always encouraging and edifying to the people who hear us speak. The person who has gained control in their communication before others is a joy to be around.
Today, the language of young people has reached a pinnacle of coarseness and vulgarity that has not been equaled in the past. Even those who claim to follow Jesus say things that that should not be spoken by a follower of Christ. Jesus said that the words that come out of our mouth are really the results of what we have stored up in our heart.
Luke 6:45 A good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart brings forth evil. For out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks.
If we spend very little time reading and meditating on the Word of God, while countless hours in front of the computer screen, television or the latest movie fill our view, our speech will reflect our investment in time. Whatever we put into our minds and hearts will later come out in the words we say and the things we do.
The surest way to change our words is to spend more time looking at what the Lord has to say and less looking at what the world has to say. The simple reading of our Bible everyday and the meditation on what the Word says, will wash our minds and transform out thoughts.
1 Peter 2:2 as newborn babes, desire the pure milk of the word, that you may grow thereby,
Ephesians 5:19 speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord…
To fill our mind and thoughts with the good and pure things of the Lord. To meditate on what is just and right, pure and holy, these things will transform us and what we say.
Philippians 4:8 Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things.
May we today in our walk with Jesus, change our words by allowing more time in the Word of God. As we read, asking the Holy Spirit to transform our words into those that would be clean, uplifting and a joy to hear. When people listen to us, may they hear from our mouths the same pure words that Jesus would use.
May our spouse, family and friends begin to know us as men and women who are gracious in word, and pure in thought. Nothing less should be our goal as each day as we endeavor to become more like Jesus and reflect His character as He makes us evermore like Himself.
Rob Robinson
