DID YOU KNOW that you do not have to speak (or text) every word that comes across your mind? Shocking, I know. Fortunately for me, I am not quick-witted so I’m able to keep my tongue. Yet, if you’re near me, I cannot always hold back my facial expressions. My face reveals all I’m thinking. (Insert eye roll) Here’s the consistent battle that we fight: take every thought captive so that what comes out of your mouth is grace and truth.
The thought of something is not sin, it’s when we ruminate on a sinful thought until it comes out of our mouth or our actions. Now it’s sin. And yes, you are responsible for your words. Don’t get caught in the trap that you can never say anything hard- Jesus spoke hard words of truth. It’s a grace to correct and discipline. Truth is grace. Repentance is grace. Life giving words are grace, and the only true life is in Christ.
Yet, there’s a way to speak that convicts and way that condemns and judges. Words are powerful and your words can be sweet water or bitter water (out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks); but they cannot be both at the same time. Proverbs 15:4 “Gentle words bring life and health; a deceitful tongue crushes the spirit.” Proverbs 18:4 “A person’s words can be life-giving water; words of true wisdom are as refreshing as a bubbling brook.” Bottom line- what’s coming out of your mouth? What things are you texting? Texting is even worse because you’ve had time to formulate a thought. Examine your heart for it is producing your words. #runyourrace
To Learn More About Pastor Crystal please visit the Leadership Page
