Speech: August 29, 2012

TODAYS WORD FOR WEDNESDAY AUGUST 29, 2012.

SPEECH

DEFINITION:

The communication or expression of thoughts in spoken word; a particular utterance.

SCRIPTURE:

Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one. Colossians 4:6.

But I tell you that men will have to give account on the day of judgment for every careless word they have spoken. Matthew 12:36.

KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE:

You can usually judge a person’s character by listening to his or her speech. As grandparents we are always interested in what is going on in the lives of our 20 grandchildren. Dottie was talking with one of our grandsons and she asked him how he liked his new school. He responded very favorably but went on to say that he had a mean girl in his class. Soon it was made clear that the reason he regarded the girl as mean was because of her speech. She said things that were hurtful and called people by degrading names.

Children’s behavior is a reflection of what they are taught in the home. Parents have a great responsibility to teach children how to speak with kindness and humility. In today’s world the speech we, adults and children, hear is almost always degrading. A lot of what we hear would be R-rated in the movies. The problem is that what we hear on the street becomes part of us and influences how we ourselves speak.

What kind of speech do your children hear around the house? Is God’s name taken in vain? Are friends, family, and neighbors talked about in negative and degrading ways? What is taught about speaking to God?

As Christians we must be concerned about our speech. Paul instructs us to “Let our speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how to answer each one.” We must always be gracious and respectful in what we say. In Ephesians 5:4 Paul further admonishes us about our speech telling us, “Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk, or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving.” Most importantly, Jesus holds us accountable for our speech, as we read in Matthew 12:36 (above).  In order for our speech to be pleasing to our Lord, we must know Him so that the words we speak are words that honor God and are the truth.

Jesus was speaking to unbelieving Jewish leaders who desired to kill Him when, as recorded in John 8:45, He said, “But because I tell you the truth, you do not believe Me.” In verse 47, He tells them the reason they don’t believe Him is because they are not of God. They claimed to know God but by their actions and words Jesus said they were followers of Satan. God speaks to the hearts of believers daily through His Word and we hear Him only if we are in tune with Him.

Our Lord wants to speak daily to those of us that believe on Him. Are you talking to Him daily? If not, why not? The only way that we are going to grow in the Lord is to listen to Him speak to us. And more important, if you are not communicating to God daily how can you be prepared to deal with Satan’s temptations and the evil ways of the world we live in?

Remember, one is known by his or her speech. Words communicate much about a person. Take a good look at the words you use and the attitude that you show when you speak those words. Are they hurtful, vulgar, egotistical, or are they kind and loving? Your speech can drive people to the Lord or drive people away from the Lord.

LEARNING:

Our memory verse for this week is found in Joshua 1:9.

Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.

PRAYER:

Help me to learn from Thy Word to evaluate my speech so that every word that proceeds from my mouth will glorify Your name. Help me to control my speech so that others will see Christ in me.