Being Concerned with the Words that Flow Out of My Mouth (4.20.15)

The good man brings good things out of the good stored up in his heart, and the evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in his heart. For out of the overflow of his heart his mouth speaks. - Luke 6:45
 

Have you ever turned on the tap, only to find brown water flowing into your bathroom sink? When this happens, we are ready to declare a natural disaster and evacuate. This “family state of emergency” lasts until the water comes out clear again. Why? Brown water is disgusting. We don’t want it in our bodies, never mind in our pipes. If only I would be as concerned with the words that flow out of my mouth!

According to Jesus, what we say flows from deep within. Our mouths are like faucets, out of which flows good or evil, depending on the condition of our hearts. Sometimes we think we can clean up the way we talk, without addressing the heart problem. But that’s kind of like trying to purify water, after it comes out of the tap. The real problem is deep within the pipes. Similarly, the problem of sinful speech - like gossip, slander, grumbling, and lying - can only be fixed by repairing the heart. So there’s good news & bad news.  The bad news is, we can’t change our hearts. But the good news is that Jesus can.

I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh. - Ezekiel 36:26

This heart transplant is something only GOD can do.
Turning from sin and trusting in Jesus is what we are called to do.
Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, ‘Out of his heart
will flow rivers of living water. -  John 7:38 (ESV)

Having a new heart doesn’t mean it will always produce what’s pure, because we are still sinners. But I’m a sinner who has been saved by grace, to speak in a new way that edifies others, and glorifies GOD.

What’s been flowing out of your mouth lately?

Lord Jesus,

Forgive me for the sinful words
that I have spoken.

Change my heart by Your Holy Spirit,
so that what I say brings good to others
and glory to You.

Amen.