BIG Mouth!

We are in a time of freedom of speech, keeping it real, saying it like it is, saying it because you feel like it. Our mouths can be like machine guns sometimes, just spraying with no aim or they can be like springs bringing forth life wherever it falls.Whatever the case words are powerful and the saying of 'sticks and bones won't break my bones but words will never hurt me' is dead right about now. It is the song of a superstar, the speech of a legend, the writer of a play that proceeds the composer. They remain relevant even when the composer, author or singer has passed. Why? Words are deposited, the have an effect, they stick and can remain forever. Words can constructive or destructive (Proverbs 12:18). A small part of the body can have such a big effect:

'Indeed, we put bits in horses' mouths that they may obey us, we turn their whole body. Look also at ships: although they are so large and are driven by fierce winds, they are turned by a very small rudder wherever the pilot desires. Even so the tongue is a little member and boasts great things. See how great a forest a little fire kindles.' James 3:3-5

So words are powerful and we should be careful about what we say, however is it just what we say? There have been times when I've spoken to my mum and she hasn't even paid too much attention to what I've said but has said 'Is that how you are speaking to me?' In my secondary school days there's been times when I have wanted to go to certain parties and I've needed to ask my parents about it. Now if you have tact you don't ask when you've just received a not so good report from school, you ask them when they're in a good mood , eating their favourite meal or having a hot cup of tea. You wait for the best time. It's not just about what we say but it's also about how we say it and when we say it.

So what do we? It's easy to say words are powerful and the rest of it but does that mean we should be quiet. The Bible talks about truth (Proverbs 12:17) and we should keep it 'real' so is it open mouth or close mouth? One thing that I have learnt as I've grown in Christ is that before I open my mouth, before I put that bb status up, before it circulates of Facebook or Twitter i should consider the motive behind my words. What is the purpose of opening your mouth? Paul wrote to the Church of Ephesus saying 

'Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers' Ephesians 4:29

So will what you say edify someone, will it make them better? Many people think Christianity is about being nice but it's really about being truthful and being truthful in love. The Bible says that God corrects those He loves (Proverbs 3:11-12)  Being corrected can feel uncomfortable or it may seem like its not a 'nice thing' to do but we are chastised by God because He wants to better us, He wants us to move, He wants us to do things the right way, His way. There's people we know that may not be going in the right way, they may be lost, and a lot of times that's not the time to be 'nice' but like God does to us we  should show them love in truth. It may be uncomfortable to hear but that word could set them back on track. It is just important that the person you're speaking to knows that what you are saying is coming from a place of love.

In Matthew 8, a leper came to Jesus and told Him that if He is willing Jesus could clean Him. Jesus said He was willing and healed the man from leprosy. However Jesus told Him to go but tell no one what had happened. Why would Jesus not want people to see His power, His miracle? This was Jesus knew the importance of timing and His purpose. It was not the right time. When we want to say something we should question is it the right time. Should I say it in front of all these people or wait for a quiet moment to tell them? They look quite upset or angry should I wait until there have calmed down? Timing can be crucial especially if you want your word to be received well.

But then we come to venting. Oh if anyone has I have come to find out that there is a thin line between gossiping and venting it is me, however there is a difference. Gossiping hurts and can be very hard to stop once you're on a roll.  It never builds people up but exposes and exploits. Venting is a release and I do encourage it. People do some outrageous things and when you sit down and talk to them you realise that it could have been prevented if there was someone to talk to, someone to vent out to. It prevents storage of what can become grudges, hate and bitterness. When we vent we should think about who we vent to (Proverbs 1:5). If I have an argument with a friend and then go tell another friend who I know is not fond of her, infact any chance to disgrace her she will take, is that wise of me? It sounds simple but that's what we do alot, it's an emotional response. Vent to people who are neutral, who will not give a biased view but the right view, who's advice is not emotionally based. 

James says the tongue cannot be tamed by man (James 3:8). I have found that the Word of God is like a rein to the tongue and the Spirit of God is the hand that pulls the rein in. There was a time when I was walking with some people and they were talking about a specific person and the things there were saying were sparked by emotion but nevertheless true. I could relate to them and I felt like saying something, I was bursting, but then the Spirit of God just told me don't you think you should speak to that individual before adding smoke to the fire. It was that clear.

For good or for bad never underestimate the power of your word:

'Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit' Proverbs 18:21

 We should ask ourselves why we open my mouth? How should I say it? Is it the best time to say it? Above all we should ask God to direct us and for help so that we are springs of life to people and not death to them. 

Be encouraged!