It is not what goes into the mouth that defiles a person, but what comes out of the mouth; this defiles a person. Matthew 15:11
When we were children, we pretty much said anything that popped into our minds.
Now that we're adults we often prefer to be circumspect rather than say things that are foolish. Of course, we sometimes still get caught, don't we?
That's what happened to a couple that was fouled up by a magnetic storm. Apparently their telephone conversation, which was supposed to be very personal, jumped from their private telephones to the feed for a nearby radio station. Because of a thunderstorm, their words of love were broadcast, via radio, coast-to-coast.
To avoid that kind of egg-on-the-face situation, we ought to watch what we say. Not just because we're afraid of getting caught, although that might be motivation enough.
No, we need to remember that though our tongues are very small organs, they can do a great deal of damage to others and ourselves!
Setting the standard for careful talking is our Savior. Nowhere in the Bible do we have a record of Jesus being embarrassed by anything He said to those around Him. He never had to apologize for His words spoken to them or us.
His words were always loving thoughts of correction, love, and encouragement. Although we cannot expect to duplicate His perfection, His is an example we need to follow in our everyday conversations. Why? Because with the exception of the Lord, we never know who's listening.
From a devotion originally written for "By the Way"
THE PRAYER:Dear God, even though our tongues are inconsequential in size, they can still do a great deal of damage to others and ourselves. Help me use my tongue only for love, encouragement, and to share the story of the salvation the Savior has won. In His Name. Amen.
In Christ I remain His servant and yours,
Pastor Ken Klaus
Speaker emeritus of The Lutheran Hour®
Lutheran Hour Ministries
Today's Bible Readings: Psalms 52 Psalms 57 Psalms 142 Luke 22:24-46
To Download Devotion MP3 to your computer, right click here and select "Save Link As" or "Save Target As" or "Download Linked File As"