The tongue has been used as an instrument to bless and curse ever since people interacted with one another. With the tongue, we can edify, encourage, exhort, bless, comfort, and build people up. The tongue is also used to tear down, gossip, curse, slander, and malign people. The fact that people in the world often speak in such a hateful way to others shouldn’t be a surprise. It is surprising that vitriolic speech is becoming commonplace among many who call themselves born-again Christians. What is an un-bridled tongue indicative of, why has it been an epidemic in the last days, and why should we use our communication for God’s glory alone? Let’s look together at the instrument of blessing & cursing and how the Bible tells us to use it. James 3:7
It wasn’t that long ago, when a person wanted to communicate with someone else, they had to send a letter or speak in person. That was the way we communicated for countless centuries. Now we live in the age of instant, everything. Texts, messaging, Facebook, Twitter, email, and dozens of other platforms make communicating with one another easier than ever. Herein lies the problem: It’s also never been easier or more convenient to allow hateful, hurtful, and ungodly talk to be spread so quickly.
*Before we continue, I do want to make two points: First, used for the right reasons and with pure motives, I believe social media and other platforms are great tools to spread the gospel, edify others, and communicate with loved ones. Modern technology has helped spread the Bible’s message to the far corners of the globe, which would have been unfathomable just a decade or so ago. Second, as I write this article I’m also having to examine what I communicate to others around me. Far from casting stones, I pray this article helps each of us re-evaluate what proceeds out of our mouths with the ultimate benchmark question being: Who will receive glory for what I’m about to communicate? Matthew 15:18
As I mentioned earlier, the angry, crass, and downright mean things communicated by the unsaved people in the world are the norm and seem to be the rule of the day. On the other hand, this type of communication has no place in the life of a true Christian. As a matter of preference, I use social media very little except to promote the message of the gospel through Concerning The Times.
Regardless of how little or much time you spend on social media, it doesn’t take long to observe the ugliness of the human heart. It’s as simple as seeing a response to an opposing point of view on an article comment thread. No, I’m not referring to a NY. Times, CNN, or Fox article. I mean various articles in Christian Post, Christianity Today, and other media that would be identified as ‘Christian.’ I understand the obvious point that not all viewers of these publications are truly born again. However; it would be a reasonable assessment to say that a majority of the readers would readily identify themselves as Christian.
The point is this: The comments and responses of many people are nothing short of hateful. It’s one thing to make a biblical point and be resolute about why. Name-calling, slander, and hatefulness are something completely different. This type of behavior is widespread and becoming typical for this generation. There are so many words spoken, written, and sent by text that can’t be deleted or taken back. I say this because we need to remember that we are dealing with real people here…..not fans, likes, viewers, or subscribers. Social media is not a place to mention how much you love Jesus or the Bible if your life pattern doesn’t match what you profess.
If you do that you are grandstanding about religion. You are seeking glory for yourself, not God. It’s different when your life pattern, heart, and attitude align with what you profess. A person who’s professed Christianity is the same behind the keyboard and in the world. A holy, encouraging, Christlike person who walks the walk is what others need to see because it is a reflection of our heavenly Father, not the world. 2 Timothy 3:1
Our time is marked by evil speech at every turn. Paul warned the church that a time was coming when some would seem like Christians (have an appearance of godliness) and deny its power. In other words, if a person is truly converted there will be fruit. I believe Paul had our days in mind when he penned those words to Timothy.
When Paul wrote to Timothy he mentions people who were always learning, but never able to arrive at the knowledge of the truth. It’s no different in our day, the only thing that has changed is there is a multitude of ways for some to have an appearance of godliness but deny its power.
Knowing the un-bridled tongue (communication) is indicative of an unrepentant person or false conversion, what is the fruit of a true disciple of Jesus? 1 Peter 1:13
How refreshing is a professing Christian who is actually a follower of God. These people are truly salt & light in this dark world. A holy life lived our inside and outside of church speaks volumes about the God we serve. These saints are vital to the building up of other believers and are a living testimony of the gospel to their unsaved friends, co-workers, and family members. God help us live out our profession of faith in every area. Ephesians 4:29
We have such a great opportunity to use our tongue, social media, and other forms of communication to serve God and help others. As believers, let’s be intentional about using these venues to explain the gospel to unbelievers and see some come to repentance. Let’s use our tongues to build up and encourage our brothers and sisters in the faith. Most of all, let’s be intentional about letting what comes out of our mouths be for God’s glory.
If you are struggling in this area and need help, I want you to know that many of us have had to surrender this to the Lord also. Personally speaking, when the Lord showed me ugliness in my heart. I needed to repent of that sin. “That’s just the way I talk, that’s just the way I am, or I’m going to let them have it” was a front for the wickedness in my heart.
If God is showing you this in your life: Repent and ask God for forgiveness. The Lord will cleanse your heart of wickedness and replace it with His Spirit. Jesus said, “Go and sin no more.” To repent means you do a 180′, turn from your sin, and do the will of God. You cannot do this on your own, it won’t last long. You can’t conjure up happy thoughts, nice speech, and goodness toward others. The Lord wants all of you. Yield to Him and He will cleanse your heart. He will give you the strength to live for Him, including transforming what comes from your mouth, because your heart will be renewed. Link to: They Won’t Repent, a recent article about true repentance. Psalm 51:10
All for Him,
Howard
