Part Two-The tongue leaves a lasting impression on our spirit and heart.

Today I am writing about the power source that ignites the words we choose or don’t choose to say. The HEART!

Matthew 12:34 “For out of the abundance of the HEART the mouth speaks.”

If we define abundance, it means a very large quantity of something. And Matthew’s words above give us a direct path to the heart of the matter.

Matthew takes us directly there! Don’t you just hate it when someone like Matthew hits the nail on the head? Whatever fills the heart or is consumed in the heart, will pour out through our mouths.

Waterfalls are a great example

Waterfalls are a great example; Niagara Falls or the Victoria Falls with its beauty and grandeur. The momentum of Victoria Falls is undeniable. The water falls freely over the cliffs with great force and energy. As the water meets the Zambezi River, which is 1,599 miles long, the noise of Victoria Falls can be heard from a distance of 40 kilometers (24.8 miles). The spray and mist from the falling water reaches 40 kilometers (24.8 miles) and rises to a height of over 400 meters (248 miles). And It can be seen from a distance of 50 kilometers (31 miles). Can you see the reach of a heart consumed with long-held hate, anger, greed, shame, envy, jealousy, and pride? These emotions grow and swell into uncontrolled rage?. Our rage can look and feel like the force and power of Victoria Falls.

The words we use have the same effect! Gossip, for example, rises and crosses many miles and is heard by many people. The cost is not only monetary, but far worse when relationships are damaged and hurt!

Let’s summarize my point

Everything flows from the heart. This is why Proverbs 4:23 (TPT) instructs us; “So above all, guard the affections of your heart, for they affect all that you are. Pay attention to the welfare of your innermost being, for from there flows the wellspring of life.” Solomon understood the importance of a never-tiring and the never-ending watch the heart must have. And if we don’t take this warning seriously, we are at fault for neglecting to take the responsibility for the power that lives behind and in the words we use. We must always be mindful that our words can bring death or life to the spirit of another human being.

In closing

I want to share Chancellor Sinclair Ferguson’s comment. He refers to James 3:1-12 as a pathology laboratory in which James engages in a rigorous tongue analysis and diagnosis. Desiring God, he makes a profound statement. “Our spiritual maturity is evidenced by the use of the tongue.” Ouch! That hurt!

Therefore, my challenge, and maybe yours too, becomes a part of the time you and I spend in stillness before the Almighty. Asking Him to search the abundance of our heart and help us to make the changes we need to see growth in our spiritual maturity. No! It won’t be easy, but God is willing if you and I are!

Remembering the Goal: Leave a lasting impression of God on the spirit and hearts of those HE brings into our sphere of influence.

Websites

Pictures of Victoria Falls are from http://free-stock-illustration.com/victoria+falls+zambia?image=1332018396

All Bible verses are taken from the NIV Bible version unless otherwise noted

https://www.biblegateway.com

Proverbs 4:23 is taken from The Passion Translation of the Bible

Footnotes: Proverbs 4:23 The Hebrew word levav is the most common word for “heart.” It includes our thoughts, our will, our discernment, and our affections.