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GLEANINGS FROM THE WORD
Encountering an extraordinary God in ordinary life
Issue # 204 July 20, 2001
ONLY WORDS
As I walked through the mall, I walked behind a group of teenagers. They were an average group of teens, having a good time and not causing any trouble. They were loud and goofing around, but harmless.
I struggled as I listened to their conversation. It was hard not to listen, everyone within 30 feet could hear every word they said. My struggle was with the constant stream of profanity that came from their lips. It seemed that every second or third word was a curse.
I turned the television on later that evening and flipped the channels to a popular movie. The first five minutes was full of cursing and swearing.
It struck me that my own vocabulary had been the same a few years ago. If someone told me that it would be offensive to others or just plain unpleasant to listen to, I would not have understood them.
My response would have been simple, “What’s your problem? It’s only words.”
Only words. Only words? It sounds so simple, yet words can cause wounds deeper and longer lasting than anything else devised by man.
The words that come out of our mouths can build self esteem or destroy a budding talent. They can communicate love or cause hatred. They can mend bridges or start wars. They can hide deception or communicate truth.
The Scriptures are full of references to the power of words. A few samples:
A malicious man disguises himself with his lips, but in his heart he harbors deceit Proverbs 24:24 NIV
A lying tongue hates those it hurts, and a flattering mouth works ruin. Proverbs 26:28 NIV
Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. Ephesians 4:29 NIV
Likewise the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts. Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark. The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole person, sets the whole course of his life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell.
All kinds of animals, birds, reptiles and creatures of the sea are being tamed and have been tamed by man, but no man can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison.
With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in God's likeness. Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers, this should not be. James 3:5-10 NIV
Only words? I don’t think so. What words are coming from you?
Until next time, may the only words from your lips be those of healing, edification, encouragement and love.
God bless.
Kevin
© 2001 K.F. "Kevin" Corbin
All Rights Reserved