Words hurt. Words can make us bitter or better. An encouraging word can make us feel like we can conquer the world. Whereas, words spoken to belittle, can make us feel like a weak worm of the dust.
When I was teen, my life was filled with the he-said, she-said drama that's usually associated with girls that age. But as I entered my late teens, I got fed up with hindering my spiritual and professional growth by spending more time worrying about other people's lives than my own, so I prayed that the Lord would bridle my tongue.
The bible warns that believers must bring restraint to their tongue. James 1:26 states that if anyone among you thinks he is religious, and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his heart, this one's religion is useless. It is deceptive for any of us to think we can be effective without allowing Jesus to become Lord over our tongues.
Unfortunately, we have dismissed mouth sins as annoying habits that aren't too serious. However, when Paul wrote to the church at Rome, he sternly contended that gossipers, slanderers, and bad-mouthers were in the same league as murderers, sexual perverts, and haters of God. Furthermore, he said such sins are worthy of death. (Romans 1:28-32)
Jesus warned that our words are so important that we will be held responsible for all our words, even the careless, idle ones. Matthew 12:36-37 But I say to you that for every idle word men may speak, they will give account of it in the day of judgment. For by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned.
I still pray that same prayer today that I prayed as a teen. I want my words to edify, not condemn. It's a simple, but powerful prayer. When I use my words to uplift others, I take the brakes off God to use me.
I'm Lisa Maria Carroll, reminding you to take the brakes off God, and watch Him do exceedingly abundantly above all you can ask or think.
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