Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs,that it benefit this who listen. (Ephesians 4:29)
What would happen if I lived by this one verse alone? I wonder how much my surroundings would change. How would it change the mood of my conversations? How would it enhance my relationships?
I have looked this up in the Greek to understand the context a little better and I’ve found that this is something that is to be actively present in my life from now until eternity. So much so that I am commanded to do so. It is absolutely imperative that I keep tight reign over my tongue.
Oh, how often words slip out that do not edify fellow believers and encourage those around me. I need to have God put an old fashioned muzzle on my mouth at times and keep it from speaking anything that could potentially harm or discourage anyone around me.
I said, “I will watch my ways and keep my tongue from sin; I will put a muzzle on my mouth as long as the wicked are in my presence.” (Psalm 39:1)
How many of life’s conflicts would disappear if we all just kept a tighter reign on our tongues? I for one hope and pray that God will keep my big mouth shut if I can’t utter something kind, encouraging, loving, and peaceful. I pray that my words will build the body of Christ up, not tear them down. I hope that today will be different. I hope that I will have a tighter reign on my tongue today and only use it to honor my Father in Heaven.
Lord, please examine my heart today. I pray that You will put a muzzle on my mouth and give me the strength to stay quiet if I have nothing nice to say. I pray that my words will be edifying to the Body of Christ and that I will live to lift the name of Jesus high. I pray that my words will honor You today and every day!
Keeping a Tighter Reign on my Tongue,
