“In-operative words, non-working wands” (Matthew 12:36 TAB)
“A man’s heart determines his speech” (Jesus…Matthew 12:34 TLB)
“It’s not working Nana!” “Maybe it needs new batteries”…Words spoken by our two year old grandson. Such words of wisdom: recognition of a problem and a solution at the same time. Oh that we could be so quick to realize when something isn’t working in our lives and then recognize the solution!
Jesus said, “out of the overflow of the heart the mouth speaks.” If the words that gush out (at times of pressure against us) aren’t what we want them to be, then perhaps what we need to check is our heart. The abundance of our heart will flow out our mouths. Instead of good, productive and uplifting words, we speak bad, unproductive and even destructive words. The problem isn’t our mouths; it’s our hearts. Do we need a spiritual re-charge? Is there more negative current than positive? OR—even more important—do we even have the battery that generates new life in our heart…Jesus, the Christ?
If we have nothing to say, then perhaps we need more in the heart. If the wrong words come out, corroded batteries may be the problem! Romans 12:1-2 (TAB) tells us how to renew our thinking—“new ideals and new attitude.”
Prayer: Oh, Sovereign LORD, examine my heart and remove the negative thoughts that would rise up against You and fill me with Your goodness, love and mercy. “May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in Your sight Oh LORD my Rock and my Redeemer.” Psalm 19:14
Nancy