READING: Genesis 43-45, Matthew 12:24-50
“I tell you that on the day of judgment people will have to account for every careless word they speak.”
Matthew 12:36
Words.
They may seem to be just letters strung together, but they’re so much more than that. The right words can build up a man, or the wrong words can tear him down. “I love you” can melt a person’s heart, or “I don’t care any more” can break that same heart. Just a few syllables from the lips have much power, but we sometimes treat our words so flippantly that it’s frightening. The Pharisees in Jesus’ day would learn that truth from Jesus Himself – to claim that He was operating by the power of the devil was to speak words that were unfounded, foolish, and demonized. Their dismissive words about Jesus described themselves rather than Christ.
I trust that genuine believers would not cross the line the Pharisees did, but we, too, speak far too flippantly. Too often, we give ourselves permission to be thoughtless in our language, somehow convinced that our ungodly jokes or unkind criticisms don’t weaken our witness. “It really doesn’t matter,” we think, “I didn’t mean anything by what I said.” Further, our words are sometimes simply careless and useless, carrying no real sense of significance. Judged by our words, we live in the realm of the superficial and the temporary rather than the eternal. For that kind of lifestyle, we will give account.
On the other hand, our godly words reflect a heart focused on God. I still remember words from my fathers in the faith who have challenged me to pray more passionately and to proclaim the gospel more widely. These men honor God with their words; in fact, I have never heard my spiritual heroes say anything off-color or glib. They praise God rather than commend themselves, honor others rather than criticize them, and speak the gospel rather than broadcast insignificant words. Likewise, they continually tell others about Jesus. That’s the way I want to live, knowing I will answer to God for my words.
ACTION STEPS:
- Today, let every word you speak be pleasing to the Lord.
- If you need to seek forgiveness for something you’ve said to someone, take steps in that direction.
PRAYER: “God, I want to be justified by my words. Keep my heart and my speech pure today.”
TOMORROW'S READING: Genesis 46-48, Matthew 13:1-30
