Matthew 12:36-37 scares me, does it you?

There are some verses that should scare us, if we are going to be honest with ourselves. Matthew 12:36-37 is an example because it is very challenging. Jesus said, “I say to you that for every idle word men may speak, they will give account of it in the Day of Judgment. For by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned.” James says, “If anyone among you thinks he is religious, and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his own heart, this one’s religion is useless.”

Consider today how you have used your words, your tone of voice, and your body language. Have you brought people closer to God? Have you considered your words before you said them?

Imagine all the words you said this day were played back to you. What would you hear? Confess to the Lord the sins of your mouth. Then, receive God’s gift of forgiveness. 

Ephesians 4:29 says to, “Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers.” Let this be the challenge for tomorrow for you, consider if your silence would be more edifying to those around you, rather than words that may be ill considered? (Look up Job 13:5, it makes me laugh, but it is true often.)

Here are the texts for the last few days. I have been too busy for my own good.

February 25, 2013            Lev 26–27, Mark 4:21–41, Ps 28, Prov 5:21–23

February 26, 2013            Num 1, Mark 5:1–24, Ps 29:1–4, Prov 6:1–2

February 27, 2013            Num 2:1–3:39, Mark 5:25–43, Ps 29:5–11, Prov 6:3–5