The Bible warns that believers who do not bring restraint to their tongue and speech have been deceived — and without such control over their words, their religious acts are worthless and hypocritical. “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” (James 1:26). It is a deception for any of us to think that Jesus can be Lord over our life, without also becoming Lord over our tongue.
……So too, though the tongue is a small part [of the body], it boasts great things. Consider how large a forest a small fire ignites (James 3:5).
What I have learned too is that the more you start to operate in the 'Fruits of the Spirit' of Galatians, you will feel the need less and less to live by the flesh. It is hard to Break old habits, but easier when you REPLACE them with new habits.
How can you become someone who does not sin with your tongue?
• humble yourself...Use your tongue to Give Praises, Not curses!! ;)
• put off all slander and evil speaking
• put on words of kindness, love, forgiveness, and grace
• bring your thought life under the control of the Spirit (thoughts=words=actions=habits=character=destiny)
• talk less (women especially have a hard time with this!)
• think before you speak
• refuse to listen to, slander, or gossip about others
Not to say that I am perfect...I have had many times where I have had words come out of me that I wish I hadnt said. But if you honestly look at yourself, (like I have) and you realize that your tongue is out of control, continually seek His forgiveness, and allow Him to change the attitudes of your heart and your mouth, so they will be pleasing to Him.
So my prayer is now: “Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in Your sight, 0h LORD, my strength and my Redeemer” (Psa. 19:14). and I continue to try to tame it daily, until it will become like second-nature. It is challenging to say the least...but KEY to developing to be truly more like Christ, instead of just wearing the 'Christian' T-Shirt!
...or like Mama used to say; "if you cant say nothing nice, dont say Nothing at all!"
Tell the truth and shame the devil. Mostly our words are derived from the inside of how we really truly believe. If those temptations of sarcasm are your first reactions as it has been mine then you really need to think good thoughts. Put on the mind of Christ.
ReplyDeleteGood Article.