We are all unique. God created each of us with different giftings and talents. The Word of God tells us so. We are all needed to perform the complete function of the body of Christ through the beautiful working of the Holy Spirit through us.  I have noticed, and I am sure I am not alone in this, that one of the ways I am able to tell I am not abiding in Christ is by my words. Every once in a while I find myself responding to someone or some situation with a careless response. A response that hasn’t been thought out. Just a plain old flesh answer or response. Sadly this kind of response can sometimes be hurtful to the one on the receiving end and it can also cause harm to the causes of the Kingdom of God.  Many relationships, marriages and friendships have been destroyed by careless words! So has the reputation of the family of God!

Our words are so important. We are Christ’s ambassadors here on earth. We are called to live and walk as He did. Our natural sinful nature does not excuse us from not walking in the Spirit. It gives us even more reason to abide in Him and allow His Spirit to guide us in our actions and reactions. I have come to realize that when I take my eyes of my beautiful King for even a day, my actions begin to reflect my heart. I begin to respond without the wisdom, sensitivity and love of the Spirit of God.

This is not a message intended to shame. It is a reminder to myself and others that when we do not abide in Christ, we are acting out of the flesh and can undo some of the wonderful things God has already started in another life with our fleshly responses. So if you, like myself, take your eyes off of Christ from time to time, remember that what’s done and said in the flesh bears no fruit for the Kingdom. So it is imperative that we ask forgiveness of Him and perhaps to anyone we may have hurt, turn our eyes back on Christ, ask Him to guide our steps each day and keep us close to Him! Doing so ensures fruit!

Let’s take a look at just a few verses from the Bible on the importance of our words!

Proverbs 12:18 NKJV ¹⁸ There is one who speaks like the piercings of a sword, but the tongue of the wise promotes health.

Matthew 12:36 NKJV ³⁶ But I say to you that for every idle word men may speak, they will give account of it in the day of judgment.

Psalm 19:14 NKJV ¹⁴ Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in Your sight, O Lord, my strength and my Redeemer.

James 1:26 NKJV ²⁶ If anyone among you thinks he is religious, and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his own heart, this one’s religion is useless.

Proverbs 18:21 NKJV Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit.

And finally…. Ephesians 4:29 NKJV ²⁹ Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers.

Death and life are in the power of the tongue!  If that doesn’t hit us hard, I don’t know what will. Every word we speak as followers of Christ is important. Not because of who we are but because of who we represent to the world we live in! We are His hands and feet and are called to live a life that will not cause others to stumble and fall.  Let each of us repent of any careless words and keep our hearts close to the ONE who we deem Savior and Lord!

Blessings!

“Those who are really converted show it practically. That conversion which does not convert or turn the life is no conversion at all.” ~ Charles Spurgeon