Tongue Ties
The tongue is a weapon. Its aim is often accurate and devastating. Though small, the tongue has the ability to heal, maim and even kill. This is not to be taken lightly and God does not want the world to ignore the power of the tongue.
Tongue Teaser
From a young age women have their fair share of tongue lashings. This is not news; everyone knows how devastating words can be. God knows this better than anyone and He shows grave concern for all effected by the tyrant tongue;
"The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole person, sets the whole course of his life on fire and is itself set on fire by hell." James 3:6
Harsh, heavy words! True words. The world glosses over this truth. It carelessly uses words without thought of who they are hurting. Words are the true weapon of mass destruction. The world wields them to gain power, to manipulate and control others. Success is measured by the influence one person has over another and it doesn't matter who gets in the way.
Christians are not immune to this. Careless words can lead to gossip, inuendo and criticism. These are all powerful tools in gaining a sense of self-importance. Even when justified, God calls His people to measure words, to be gracious and careful. He is serious about Christians standing up and being different. His description of the tongue is a warning for the church to buck our culture's trends and be people of integrity, kindness and grace. It is not ok to fling words around haphazzardly; what we say matters. Jesus said;
"For out of the overflow of the heart the mouth speaks... men will have to give account on the day of judgment for every careless word they have spoken. For by your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned." Matthew 12:34-37.
God is adamant about this as He knows that words can mean life and death for some people.
Tenderness of the Tongue
Being life bearers can be so simple. Just a word here, an encouraging email there, a text message saying people are important and loved. This is the exciting part. God loves the simplicity of positive words.
Look at the fruits of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. These are expressed through positive words and the absence of a critical spirit. The good news is that fruits do not grow out of perfect, well behaved Christian women. They come from an openness to the work of the Holy Spirit who draws out those delicious morsels that bring glory to God and change lives. Christians can either choose to be cynical, critical and negative or embrace words of life;
"...whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable — if anything is excellent or praiseworthy — think about such things." Philippians 4:8
It all begins in the mind and heart. People know when flattery is fake. Love cannot be conjured up. Rather, love flows from a soft heart moulded by our kind God. If we are always thinking negatively about ourselves, our friends and family, the heart follows and fuels words that have the potential to cause irreversible damage. The discipline of the tender heart is only possible through the work of God in people who choose it.
Tongue Ties Untwined
Habits often seem impossible to break. The dark art of criticism can be so deeply ingrained that is feels like an impossible task to change attitudes, let alone words. Gossip is another habit that takes a huge effort to shift but it often hides a deep desire for love and approval. Regardless of the sin, God does not leave His people alone to rescue themselves. He offers forgiveness free to those who humbly admit their failures. There are also practical tools available to break down the tongue ties that bind us to harmful ways of living.
1. Pray, pray, pray: Alone, with your family, friends, home group, prayer is the antidote to harmful habits of the tongue.
2. Practice thinking positively: for every negative thought, think two positive ones, find the silver lining in each cloud.
3. Think of positive words you can use everyday with your family, kids, workmates, church family.
4. Make the effort to encourage through emails, letters, text messaging especially to our church leaders.
5. Recognise the power of words: verbalise the good thoughts you have about others. Don't just think them, use them to bring life.
God is deadly serious about the misuse of our tongue. Words have eternal significance for ourselves and others. How powerful it would be if God's people used their tongue to speak words of life. Why, we would be light, salt, a reflection of the loving kindness of our great God.
