Words.... What are you speaking?

Words.... What are you speaking?

All of us have been on the receiving end, or have delivered, a verbal tirade.  The spew of harsh words carelessly plastered together for the purpose of tearing down and degrading a person.  It is a poor attempt to build ourselves up by belittling another, flexing the flesh muscle of our tongue to illustrate a power position.  When in reality, we are showing our weakness and fear.  My youngest daughter will correct a person in this manner....

No rotten talk should come from your mouth, but only what is good for the building up of someone in need, in order to give grace to those who hear.  Ephesians 4:29

You see, those words that we use carry great power...and great responsibility, to be used appropriately and in the manner mentioned in scripture.  I will testify (and NO, I am not perfect.  I still fail daily) that I have seen the power of words completely change marriages, friendships, attitudes, and countenance.  The very posture of a person can be restored to health.  But I must profess the Holy Spirit's work in my life to soften and change my heart COMPLETELY changed my tongue.

"Brood of vipers!  How can you speak good things when you are evil?  For the mouth speaks from the overflow of the heart."  Matthew 12:34

These are the words of Jesus as He was teaching about the fruit of our lives.  We all need to hear, and offer, words encouraging others.  And on the flip side, we need to understand that when others spew, we have the option of receiving or rejecting those words based on the level of truth they carry.  This was me growing up.  I soaked up every word, good and bad, true and untrue.  It was very unhealthy spiritually, but I didn't understand my identity and who God says I am.  By the way, I am gonna go with what He says.  :-)

Several years ago, I was part of a layoff.  I was at the top of my game, but went 16 months without a position.  During this time, I was somewhat lost as I had lost my knowledge of who I was... I had become my position.  So I did a little exercise to get some perspective.  I utilized Facebook for feedback from friends.  I wanted to hear from those who knew me.  Just a word, when they see or hear my name.  I called this "The Blake Experiment".  This was not an appeasement strategy, but rather I needed to hear from the heart of those who I had let see my heart. I have never shared this list, but here it is.

Sincere, Integrity, Friendly, Gentle, a mess (that's 2 words by the way), Fishing, Christ-Follower, Caring, Country, Friend, Cutie, Leader, Fun, Generous, Faithful, Salty, Mighty, Talented, Tracy, Blessed, Persistent, Awesome voice, Kind, Loyal, Compassionate, Role Model, Funny, Steadfast, Diligent, Spiritual, Determined, Dedicated, Trustworthy, Devoted, Sharp, Opinionated, Observant, Cool, Solid, Genuine

This was humbling, empowering, invigorating, energizing, and challenging.  I know that I can't be all of that on my own.  I have chosen to build on this list.

He must increase, but I must decrease.  John 3:30

This is the way we change our tongues.  The fruit of our mouths will only change as our hearts are surrendered to our Creator, who has sent Holy Spirit to counsel us in our times of need.

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

For every creature - animal or bird, reptile or fish - is tamed and has been tamed by man, but no man can tame the tongue.  It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison.  With it we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse men who are made in God's likeness.  Out of the same mouth come blessing and cursing.  My brothers, these things should not be this way.  Does a spring pour out sweet and bitter water from the same opening?  Can a fig tree produce olives, my brothers, or a grapevine produce figs?  Neither can a saltwater spring yield fresh water.  James 3:7-12

If you have ever bitten into a bad piece of fruit, you likely spit it out because of its bitterness.  In this action, you have chosen not to receive bad fruit.  It tasted bad and you had a good understanding quickly that it was not good.  Reflect on this prayer of repentance from King David after being called out for correction after pursuing Bathsheba.  Remember, David was a "man after God's own heart".

Psalms 51

Be gracious to me, God, according to Your faithful love;  according to Your abundant compassion, blot out my rebellion.  Wash away my guilt and cleanse me from my sin.  For I am conscious of my rebellion, and my sin is always before me.  Against You - You alone - I have sinned and done this evil in Your sight.  So You are right when You pass sentence;  You are blameless when You judge.  Indeed, I was guilty when I was born;  I was sinful when my mother conceived me.  Surely You desire integrity in the inner self, and you teach wisdom deep within.  Purify me with hyssop, and I will be clean;  wash me, and I will be whiter than snow.  Let me hear joy and gladness;  let the bones You have crushed rejoice.  Turn Your face away from my sins and blot out all my guilt.  God, create a clean heart for me and renew a steadfast spirit within me.  Do not banish me from Your presence or take Your Holy Spirit from me.  Restore the joy of Your salvation to me, and give me a willing spirit.  Then I will teach the rebellious Your ways, and sinners will return to You.  Save me from the guilt of bloodshed, God, the God of my salvation, and my tongue will sing of Your righteousness.  Lord, open my lips, and my mouth will declare Your praise.  You do not want a sacrifice, or I would give it;  You are not pleased with a burnt offering.  The sacrifice pleasing to God is a broken spirit.  God, You will not despise a broken and humbled heart.  

For this is how our tongues will be changed...from within, by Him.