Our Mouths!

By Paula Williamson, guest writer

The book of James says our mouths are like a ship's rudder. The direction of our lips controls our ships. That’s a shocker! In a fear-driven society where bad news travels around the world in a blink, it would do us well to recognize the power of our words. If we had a GPS on our mouths that rerouted us every time we slid into the abyss of speaking words that do not bless us or others, how many times a day would we hear, "Proceed to the route"?

It Is Written

EPHESIANS 4:29 Do not let unwholesome [foul, profane, worthless, vulgar] words ever come out of your mouth, but only such speech as is good for building up others, according to the need and the occasion, so that it will be a blessing to those who hear [you speak].

Speak Life

Our mouth is our greatest power tool. With the Lord's help and self-control, we can control our speech and speak only what builds others up and blesses them. Words filled with negativity, self-pity, pessimism, criticism, fear, and gossip sour the atmosphere and drag everyone who hears them into a dark, stinky place. On the other hand, speaking love, encouragement, kindness, and faith-filled words changes lives.

Prayer

Lord, You spoke the world into existence with Your words. Your word says our mouths hold the power to bless and to curse. One day we will have to give an account for every idle word we speak. We will eat the fruit of our own lips and reap what we sow. Please convict us and stop us when we use our mouths to speak words that do no good. Help us guard our mouths and speak words of blessing today and every day.

Takeaway

Our words hold the power to change the course of a day and a life.