Our Words Matter

Psalms 12:6 The words of the Lord are pure words, Like silver tried in a furnace of earth, Purified seven times.

The wickedness that resides in man's heart does not only reveal itself in man's action, but his words also. We live in a society, even amongst Christians, where lying to one another has become acceptable, and in many cases, overlooked. It is okay to tell a "little white lie", if we can come up with a seemingly reasonable excuse for telling it. We use our words to deceive, flatter, and to manipulate situations for our benefit. We speak proud words that puff us up, and make us feel more important than the next person. We speak with offensive words, and laugh at offensive jokes, even if they mock God and Christianity. We speak as if God will overlook our words simply because times have changed, and because it is now acceptable with the rest of this ungodly society. I have to ask, "Do we give it a second thought, before we speak?" Have we allowed cussing and vile speaking to become an acceptable part of our vocabulary? I am not referring to the times we are in fellowship with other believers. We usually do well concealing it during those periods of time. I am referring to those times when we are around unsaved family, friends, and coworkers, and want to "fit in". Today's verse is a reminder that our words need to be pure and holy. As followers of Jesus, can our words be trusted? Do we have reputations as ones who are set apart, simply because we do not speak as the world speaks? The Lord's words are purified seven times over, containing no dross, or impurities. He commands us to speak truth, and avoid lying and evil speaking (Ephesians 4:29). We may think that our words do not matter, but the Lord tells us that we will account for every word we speak (Matthew 12:36). The bottom line is that our words are supposed to exalt and honor God, not be vile, and encourage others (Ephesians 4:29; Colossians 4:6); because in the end, when we stand before the Lord, we will find out that our words really did, and do, matter.

Today, God extends an invitation to you to accept His free gift of salvation (Rom 6:23). Will you accept it? Anyone who calls on Jesus, by faith, in repentance, confessing your sins, will receive eternal life. Do not put off calling on Him, and receive Him and His free gift of salvation today (Rom 10:13).