Every Word

Now that I’m getting settled into a routine once again in our new/old home I’ve started attending my weekly ladies Bible study once again. I love the chance to sit down and pour over God’s word with a variety of people with extreme diverse backgrounds, spiritual maturity and levels of wisdom. Right now we’re doing a study on the book of Matthew and last week we examined chapter 12, this verse really popped out at me:

But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment. – Matthew 12:26

Every idle word. Can you imagine? I know I’ve read the passage countless time but for some reason those 3 little words popped out at me. If every time you spoke you considered having to explain what you were about to say before God Almighty–how might your words change? Do you really want to explain why you were gossiping about someone or why you snapped at your children? What excuses do you have for speaking like that? Even when you try to explain it away to yourself it ends up sounding pretty lame.

During Christmas it’s easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle and sickness and stress that floats around and to let plenty of “idle words” fly around. Even if you “are just  sick and tired” or “didn’t really mean it” words leave a lasting and profound impact upon the people around you. The Bible says, “for out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh.” (Matt 12:34) Your words reflect what is truly going on inside of you and your heart condition.

Today and this week make a deliberate effort to think before you speak. If it is something that you wouldn’t want to have to explain to God someday, then don’t say it!

Copyright © Nicole Elliott, Moms of Faith, All Rights Reserved