Watch Your Mouth

For the entirity of my life controlling my tongue has been a battle. As soon as I was able to talk I was telling people to “go away” despite the fact that they had just called me cute. At the ripe old age of two I refused to say “thank you” for my juice. Albeit, I didn’t use my tongue but I believe that the heart posture behind it was the very same.

We laugh about it now and chalk it up to Douglas stubbornness revealing itself early. But now, thirty years later, I’m able to see it for what it really was and is – wickedness that is the fruit of a sinful nature and heart. That may sound entirely too harsh to say of a child who knows nothing of the world yet or that her actions are even wrong. But the truth is the truth, no matter our ability to grasp or comprehend it.

Besides, evidence from the years afterward would be completely against me. Just yesterday my youngest brother sent the above picture to the family group chat with the accompanying message, “Rebekah.” I have long been known for my stubborn nature and give-it-to-you-straight approach to life. So there is no doubt that I would be found guilty on all charges of being unable (or unwilling) to control my tongue.

Thankfully, has I’ve grown spiritually I’ve become more aware of this weakness within myself. The Lord has graciously brought me a very long way (much to the relief of my mother, I’m sure). But I still have so very far to go.

Today, it is very popular to be quick to speak and quick to anger. No one bothers with listening. So, how are they ever going to be able to tell us apart from the crowd if we are joining in along? How could they ever believe that Jesus is better than what the world has to offer if we aren’t acting any differently from it?

James 1:19&20, 26 (HCSB) says, “My dear brothers and sisters, understand this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to anger, for human anger does not accomplish God’s righteousness… If anyone thinks he is religious without controlling his tongue, his religion is useless and he deceives himself.”

Being quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to anger is the most radical thing we can do as believers in this present moment. It is the most Christ-like response we could hope to give. In all the noise, talking louder gets us nowhere. But choosing to listen and to speak slowly will grab their attention faster than anything else.

As much as I would like to, there is no separating our holiness from the things that we say. We cannot expect people to love Jesus if we are not speaking like Him. So instead of getting drawn into another verbal brawl with someone, take the time to consider if what you are about to say is something that would draw that person closer to the Savior of this world.

Will you introduce them to the One who offers peace or will you contribute to their current state of chaos? Are you willing to risk turning someone off of the gospel for the rest of their lives simply because you felt entitled to be right or to defend your own opinion?

God makes it VERY clear about His stance on what you say – and that is to watch your mouth.