Who knew that it would take traveling half way around the
world to really realize the power of the tongue?
From almost the beginning our tongues were the biggest
struggle for the team. Coincidentally, it is also the topic of the book I
brought and one of the first things that God revealed to me I needed major work
on and needed to do so a.s.a.p.
It is so small but has the power to hurt others, unrighteously
build oneself up, to ruin lives, and to completely ruin one’s testimony.
Fortunately it also has the power to speak truth, bring about healing, edify
each other, and boast of God’s greatness.
Taming the tongue is no easy task. It’s definitely not for
the faint of heart, but it is vital for life. In fact James tells us that if we
cannot control the beast, that is our tongue, any religion we have is
worthless. That’s crazy!
If I can’t say edifying words or not make course jokes, my
faith means nothing.
Taming the tongue is not just about speaking less. It’s
about knowing when to speak, when not to speak, knowing how or what to say, the
tone in which to speak, and who to speak what to.
Is what you are going to say going to edify the person you
are saying it to or yourself? Is what you are saying words Jesus would say?
(Cheesy I know, but really) Do they demean, despise, or cause despair? Are you
boasting in yourself or in Him?
Everything you say should be of your spirit. Pray before you
speak. If you do so 1) you won’t speak as much 2) you most likely won’t offend
or hurt others and 3) you can be pretty sure what you are saying is pure and
you won’t have a reason to regret it. A good rule I’ve found is to Think. Pray.
Think. Speak.
One thing I have found, is that it’s ok not to speak much.
If you think it will stifle your personality, it might, but it’s probably
needed. Proverbs 10:19 says “When words are many, sin is not absent.”
Also, the less you speak, the more power your words will
carry.
Taming the tongue is not a task that is ever complete. It is
a decision that has to be made every hour, every minute, possibly every second.
Choose to seek the wisdom to speak.
