Being Christ to those around us is a 24/7 calling. We must allow Him to live through us all the time, especially concerning what we say.
Proverbs 20:3 It is to a man’s honor to avoid strife, but every fool is quick to quarrel.
I wish there were a five-second governor on our mouths. There would be so much that would go unsaid because the Holy Spirit would have time to put a muzzle on our mouths (Ps. 39:1)!
Paul said:
Colossians 4:6 Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.
The grace comes from considering others better than ourselves (Phil. 2:3) and being His ambassadors (2 Cor. 5:20); the salt comes from the Gospel, the Good News of Jesus Christ, which entails salvation, sanctification, and glorification.
Salvation-we are to reconcile people to God through Christ.
2 Corinthians 5:20 We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God.
Sanctification-we are growing to be like Him in every way.
1 John 4:17 In this way, love is made complete among us so that we will have confidence on the day of judgment, because in this world we are like him.
Glorification-One day, we will receive glorified bodies, ones that have no sin nature and are perfect in every way–just like Jesus!
1 Corinthians 15:51-54 Listen, I tell you a mystery: We will not all sleep, but we will all be changed— [52] in a flash, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, the dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be changed. [53] For the perishable must clothe itself with the imperishable, and the mortal with immortality. [54] When the perishable has been clothed with the imperishable, and the mortal with immortality, then the saying that is written will come true: “Death has been swallowed up in victory.”
In the meantime, let’s do our best to allow the Spirit to guide our tongues by waiting a couple of seconds before answering or making a comment. Being “sweet and precious” is important:
Ephesians 4:29-32 Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. [30] And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. [31] Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. [32] Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.
Today, let’s “walk in the way of love (Eph. 5:1)” as we speak kindly to one another with respect, submitting to one another out of reverence for Christ (Eph. 5:21).
