By Your Own Words

These are the words of our Lord Jesus Christ and they are worth noting by every individual because they are directly related to us all. Is it not surprising that our own words (what is proceeding out of our own mouths) would be determinants of our judgement? We are, thus, accountable for our utterances in effect.

This is noteworthy because words have creative power; they create things - good or bad. Through our everyday sayings we create things and situations, some unfortunately, adverse. If we speak positively and in faith, good things result. But if we utter negative things, we bring into being what may not be God’s will and intent. Sometimes, we arm the enemy with what to work with by what we say.

Since we sometimes become initiators of negative things (arising out of our unthoughtful utterances), we are admonished to watch our words carefully. We need to weigh our words before speaking, especially in our down moments; when we are angry, fearful, worried, anxious, confused, depressed etc. If unchecked, our words would create the undesirable.

In Psalm 141:3, the psalmist was quick to request from the Lord a safeguard: “Set a guard, O LORD, over my mouth; Keep watch over the door of my lips”! We can also pray the same prayer; to guard our mouths against speaking words that generate negative things but good things that glorify God. Jesus is coming soon!