War of Words

As I turn off the morning newscast, I feel like shouting, “Wake Up America!”  Grown adults carelessly, endlessly, exhaustingly talking!  It’s shocking how careless people are becoming with their words; especially on social media. Living in a country with freedom of speech seems to be crossing the line into sheer foolishness, where disrespect, dogmatic opinions, and just plain selfishness reigns. I’d like to take a moment today to remind everyone about the power of your words.

1) Your mouth gives you away!

When you begin to speak, people get a glimpse at what is really in your heart. Come to think of it, YOU get a glimpse at what’s in your heart. Listen to yourself. Re-read your texts, Twitter and Facebook posts. What fruit is your heart producing?

Out of the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaks. Luke 6:43-45

Even a fool appears to be wise when he keeps his mouth shut. Proverbs 17:28

2) Your words can hurt or help.

Every time you open your mouth to speak, you have a choice to make. Will my words help or hurt? Will my words pour water or fuel on a fire? Will my words bring life & encouragement? Or, will my words kill and destroy? It’s your choice! Make it wisely.

Life and death are in the power of the tongue. Proverbs 18:21

“If you don’t have something nice to say, don’t say anything at all.” – everyone’s Mama

3) Beware of “mouth” disease.

Don’t fall into the foolish habits of the world. Instead of a war OF words, let’s declare a war ON our words. Gossiping, exaggerating, lying, flattery, bragging — not to mention blatantly hateful, mean words — are all curable diseases.

A war of words is really a war of hearts. And, God is the perfect One to go to for a heart transplant. Imagine a world ( a workplace, a church, a home) where people are using their words to encourage one another; honor one another; respect one another; love one another? Sounds like heaven on earth to me!

As you go about your life today, remember words really matter! .

• Think before you speak.  Learn to tame your tongue.

• Speak the truth in love.

• Speak less; listen more.

• Ask God for wisdom. The Bible has a lot of wise advice to give you as you declare war ON your words — I encourage you to start with James 3:1-12; Ephesians 4:29 & 5:4 ; Colossians 4:6; Psalm 141:3.

Come on America, we are better than this.  Let’s turn the tide of of our culture and once again show respect, honor, love, and wisdom with our words.  We can do this!!  YOU can do this!