As leaders we can do a lot of good in our churches but poorly chosen and careless words can overtake and bring ruin to our ministry for “the tongue has the power of life and death” (Prov. 18:21). But, “those who guard their mouths and their tongues keep themselves from calamity” (Prov. 21:23). The best way to guard our communication is to guard our hearts.
Hearts Guarded by Scripture Lead to Empowered Communication
Jesus reminds us that “the things that come out of a person’s mouth come from the heart, and these defile them” (Matt. 15:18). He also said, “A good man brings good things out of the good stored up in his heart, and an evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in his heart. For the mouth speaks what the heart is full of.” (Lk. 6:45)
So, if our words are going to have “the power of life” rather than death (Prov. 18:21), then we must have “good stored up in” our hearts (Lk. 6:45). How do we know what is good and true so we speak accordingly? — By filling our hearts with God’s Word which “is a lamp for our feet” (Ps. 119:105) but also a guard for our lips. “I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.” (Ps. 119:11)
With God’s Word in our hearts, 2 Timothy 3:16-17 lets us know that He will use it to …
- teach us, guiding us in what to say and not say,
- rebuke us, convicting us when we use our words in hurtful and destructive ways,
- correct us, showing us how we should speak instead,
- and train us in righteousness, making our communication more Christ-like.
As a result we will be more “thoroughly equipped for every good work” which includes communication empowered for building up others and glorifying God.
For More on These Topics, Go To:
All Posts about Communication:
- Communication with God Essential to Your Purpose
- Communication in Step with Your Purpose
- Communication Imperative to Body Life
- Communication Guided by Body Life Commands
- Communication Governed by the Great Commission
- Authority in Communication
- Focus of Communication
- Confidence in Communication
- Christ-like Communication Imperative
- What We Communicate: Both Grace and Truth
- How We Communicate: Both Graciously and Truthfully
- Who Can Tame the Tongue?
- Empowered Communication Because of the Gospel
- Empowered Communication as a Result of Spiritual Gifting
- Empowered Communication Seasoned with Grace
- Empowered Communication Possible Because of the Resurrection
- Empowered Communication Because of His Name
- Empowered Communication Takes Prayer
- Empowered Communication Guarded by Scripture
- Communication Under the Control of the Spirit
- Communication Protected with Spiritual Armor
- Be an Example in How to Communicate with One Another