I’m tired of the internet and Smart Phones. Seriously. And this is the main reason: we have way too much information, more than our brains can process, and we have a tendency to hear really convincing arguments (often that don’t site sources), and we take them on as being Gospel. This year, I’m already hearing people I love harping on holidays, fellowship as eating together, and other (yes I am stating this) nonsense. The sources cited by the naysayers we listen to have been debunked, literally, centuries ago. But people opposed to Christianity, and who want to cause division in the Body of Christ keep bringing it out and presenting it as if it is new, and, since most of us don’t do our research, we hear it, and get stirred up, and, at times, stir others up.
Why am I speaking on this? Because words matter, what we say matters, and the things we spread around matter. Proverbs (6:16-19) speaks on this subject:
There are six things that the LORD hates,seven that are an abomination to him:haughty eyes, a lying tongue,and hands that shed innocent blood,a heart that devises wicked plans,feet that make haste to run to evil,a false witness who breathes out lies,and one who sows discord among brothers.
Consider what your words may do. Do your research. In the Old Testament, and, indeed, even in the new, feasts and celebrating were encouraged (God literally called for a YEAR of Jubilee). Make sure what we say is true. Let us listen to Paul’s words, and take them seriously:
Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear. And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you. (Ephesians 4:29-31)
May we let our mouths (and our fingertips) honor God in all we do, and may we seek and speak the truth, always.
James 3:
Not many of you should become teachers, my brothers, for you know that we who teach will be judged with greater strictness. For we all stumble in many ways. And if anyone does not stumble in what he says, he is a perfect man, able also to bridle his whole body. If we put bits into the mouths of horses so that they obey us, we guide their whole bodies as well. Look at the ships also: though they are so large and are driven by strong winds, they are guided by a very small rudder wherever the will of the pilot directs. So also the tongue is a small member, yet it boasts of great things.
How great a forest is set ablaze by such a small fire! And the tongue is a fire, a world of unrighteousness. The tongue is set among our members, staining the whole body, setting on fire the entire course of life, and set on fire by hell. For every kind of beast and bird, of reptile and sea creature, can be tamed and has been tamed by mankind, but no human being can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison. With it we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse people who are made in the likeness of God. From the same mouth come blessing and cursing. My brothers, these things ought not to be so. Does a spring pour forth from the same opening both fresh and salt water? Can a fig tree, my brothers, bear olives, or a grapevine produce figs? Neither can a salt pond yield fresh water.
Who is wise and understanding among you? By his good conduct let him show his works in the meekness of wisdom. But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast and be false to the truth. This is not the wisdom that comes down from above, but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every vile practice. But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere. And a harvest of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace.
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