Words....

“But those things which proceed out of the mouth come from the heart, and they defile a man.”      Matthew 15:18

It’s soooo easy to condemn the sins—- of which we are not guilty—and make excuses for our our own sins.  But Jesus was always one to turn things up-side down and cause us to focus on the most important matters, especially when it comes to our bodies and lives.

Christ was clear: what you say matters—-and it  is an accurate indicator of what is in your heart. If your words bless and encourage others, they give evidence of a compassionate heart. If you often share the good news about Christ, you demonstrate a heart that is grateful for your own salvation.  I often remind Greg that when things don’t go our way, even after days and weeks or praying and trusting for a miracle, that God is watching to see how we respond to challenges and crises.   And the boys in our bome, and that staff our camp will witness how will find peace  despite the storms that come our way.  In your life, do others find comfort in a crisis because of  the very words you speak and they way you act and react in similar situations?

Do you recall story of the tempest on the sea of Galilee in the gospels. Jesus was asleep in the hold of the ship while this squall was scaring the disciples to death!  Now,  you do know, I hope,  that  God sent that storm….It was God that permitted that little boat to be tossed to and fro—-and for a good purpose. The disciples frantically woke Jesus up and asked, “don’t you care about us? We’re gonna die!”  And what did Jesus do? Five words came out of His mouth:  Be still—-and be quiet!!!!

And what happened?  Immediately the storm stopped. The lake became smooth as glass, the wind stopped blowing and the disciples were astounded. They whispered to each: “Who is this guy? He speaks and the sea and wind obey him??”  What came out of Jesus was words of comfort and peace.  He  spoke from God’s own heart.

But I sometimes wonder if Jesus was speaking to both the storm and the crying disciples!  Perhaps He was also telling them: be quiet and be still!  And they obeyed!  The shut up and became still because He spoke truth and He spoke with authority. What came out of Him brought stillness and quiet——not confusion and calamity. In fact we’re told that God is not the author of confusion—-neither is His Son, His Spirit or those filled with His Spirit.

Are you listening to others cries for help—— then offering words that make a difference….words of wisdom….scripture…..sentences full of love?  Or do you often regret your words? Are there people even now who are hurt or angry because of something you have said?  In regards to what comes “out of you”,  think about this: “Do you enjoy gossip? Do you tend to criticize, rather than build up,  others? Do you feel that you are not responsible for what comes out of your mouth when you are angry? Does your mouth constantly spew grumbling and complaints? These behaviors come from a heart that is unlike God’s heart.”  (Lee Strobel)

You may say, “Oh, but that’s just the way I am! I’m always saying the wrong thing!” Yet Scripture clearly states that an abusive tongue is not under the control of the Holy Spirit (James 3:3-10). A sanctified mouth is a wonderful instrument for the Lord!  A heart like the Father’s heart will produce only pure and loving words. Without making any excuses for your words, ask the Holy Spirit to forgive you for any words that have brought harm. Then ask Him to discipline your mouth so that every word you speak is used by God to encourage and edify others.

A lot of the  preaching you hear today focuses upon the sins of smoking, drinking, the use of marijuana, pre-marital sex, and eating unhealthy food.  And I suppose attention to what what goes into us is important, since we are told to take care of our body—it’s the only one we have on this earth!  And I push my sons to go the extra mile in not drinking sugary drinks, working out every day, watching their body fat, and so on.   We should take care as to how we take care of the vessels that house the Holy Spirit!

But it is what comes out of us when we are tired, or frustrated, or attacked that pleases God and blesses others.   I am trying to suggest that if you want peace, stillness in your soul, seek the Peacemaker—-and choose to do what’s right and honoring—first to God—and then by naturally extension to others.

We’re told in Proverbs 2:7: “He holds success in store for the upright, he is a shield to those whose walk is blameless.”   Isn’t it worth doing what’s honest, fair and kind-hearted to others so that you can enjoy the promise of success in what you’re trying to do?  God watches what we do!!!

My point is that we major on minor things, perhaps looking far too carefully at the flaws and missteps of others, and not nearly enough at the more important matters.   We tells folks to just work hard and they will be successful.  God tells us to work, and even to hard will all our heart, but He demands that we, His children, are righteous. That means being honest, ethical, trustworthy—-a promise keeper and full on integrity!  Well….are you?  Or have you come to accept that you “are what you are”…. and that nothing can change you?

If you’re a parent, you know that we spend a lot of time to  keepi our sons and daughters happy and  entertained.  But perhaps we should teach them more about being still and quiet…… and content.  And yet that’s the exact opposite of what our culture is teaching them!  In our nation youth are brought up with a perverse idea that they have a right own things that they did not work for,  and that they are  in some sort of race to acquire all they can, as quick as they can.  They’re a pervading notion that they’re entitled to “chill”, “relax”, to be stimulated by video games, music or movies.  Even when youth work, most must must have music in the background, and a smart phone in their pocket.  A lot of adults are no better….

Why does a holy, perfect, all-powerful God put up with us?!   Why did He bring you and  me into existence in the first place!  Because He is love…. and He loves to love those that bear the image He has placed upon them!  I don’t “get it”—-i.e. why He loves me so much— but I don’t have to——because I believe it and I see all around me all the time!

My friends, He wants  to bless us, but He loves us enough to withhold those blessings until we are able to be still, quiet and ready to receive it!  I have told my my sons, from time to time,  that I have, in fact, withheld many blessings I wanted to give them—-games, toys, experiences, trips—-because they are never content with what they have——they cannot be still—-they are simply not ready for it! They don’t exercise the discipline, state of mind, and understanding that are associated with some of the things I want to do for them!

Ah,  but, sadly I am not different from my sons at times when it comes to what I am forfeiting—-things that He is prepared to give me—if I choose obedience and right living!!!

Please think about what comes out of your mouth and your mind as you encounter challenges and the vexing circumstances today and this week!  Are you telling the power of darkness, in the name of Jesus be quiet and be still?    Are you showing the world that you really do believe in a Savior that can calm the sea and silence the winds—-still today—-do you believe in the power of God to perform the impossible?