“Oh, be careful little mouth what you say…”
Having just completed a week of Vacation Bible School, I am reminded of the importance of the words we speak. The things we say (and the way we say them) identify us with either Jesus or the world.
Profanity is never acceptable. Not only is profanity an abuse of proper vocabulary and grammar, it establishes a cultural identity. Obviously, Christians are to identify with Christ and not the world!
“Pray for us…that I may make it clear, which is how I ought to speak.” (Col. 4:3, 4; cf. v. 6)
“For people who speak thus make it clear that they are seeking a homeland.” (Heb. 11:14)
Worldly Speech:
• “Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear.” (Eph. 4:29)
• “Let there be no filthiness nor foolish talk nor crude joking, which are out of place, but instead let there be thanksgiving.” (Eph. 5:4)
• “Lying lips are an abomination to the LORD…” (Prov. 12:22)
Righteous Speech:
• “A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.” (Prov. 15:1)
• “And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.” (Col. 3:17)
• “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” (1 John 1:9)
• “If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one con- fesses and is saved.” (Rom. 10:9-10)
• “Through him then let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of the lips that acknowledge his name.” (Heb. 13:15)
Our words reveal that which is hidden in our hearts. (Matt. 12:34)
It absolutely matters what we say. (Matt. 12:36-37)
Does our speech clearly identify us with Jesus?
