Mouth can get you into trouble

We have started a new set of talks at NCC called “Big Mouth”. We are talking about how our little mouth has such a big impact on the outcome of our lives. Our mouths can do us great good or great harm.

Criticizing and complaining is a trap to avoid if we want good outcomes in life. In all of Scripture the most prevalent negative use of the tongue is found in the books of the Law – Genesis through Deuteronomy. To the casual reader, it seems as though you cannot turn a page in this book without finding something said concerning the murmuring or complaining of Israel. Their negative and critical spirits trapped them wandering in the wilderness until an entire generation was gone.

I have provided some scriptures for our Monday morning reflection. I find it interesting how much judgment and the mouth are connected.

Numbers 11:1 (NLT) 1 The people soon began to complain to the LORD about their hardships; and when the LORD heard them, his anger blazed against them.

James 3:5 (NLT) 5 So also, the tongue is a small thing, but what enormous damage it can do. A tiny spark can set a great forest on fire.

Romans 14:10 (TLB) 10 You have no right to criticize your brother or look down on him. Remember, each of us will stand personally before the Judgment Seat of God.

Matthew 12:36-37 (NLT) And I tell you this, that you must give an account on judgment day of every idle word you speak. The words you say now reflect your fate then; either you will be justified by them or you will be condemned."

Matthew 7:1-2 (NLT) 1 "Stop judging others, and you will not be judged. 2 For others will treat you as you treat them. Whatever measure you use in judging others, it will be used to measure how you are judged.

James 2:12-13 (NLT) 12 So whenever you speak, or whatever you do, remember that you will be judged by the law of love, the law that set you free. 13 For there will be no mercy for you if you have not been merciful to others. But if you have been merciful, then God's mercy toward you will win out over his judgment against you.

Ephesians 4:29 (NLT) 29 Don't use foul or abusive language. Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them.

I must not allow my mouth to hold me back from God’s blessing. God desires for us to be life-givers in our speech. In order for me to be a life-giver, I must minimize negative, critical and judgmental speech. I can think before I speak and ask God for grace to season my words. I benefit-others benefit, and my tongue becomes a creative force instead of a destructive one.

May all words of death be gone from your vocabulary. May you be a life-giver today!

Current weekend series:
“Big Mouth”
Embracing the Impact of my Words

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Chris Bennett
New Community Church